Police and Crime Commissioner to speak at Cuckfield AGM

Controversial Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne will address Cuckfield Parish Council as one of the guest speakers during the anual general meeting this month.

The Commissioner is threatening legal action after she faced a vote of no confidence for attending a protest against asylum seekers being housed at a military site in Crowborough.

Ms Bourne is demanding that the formal criticism is withdrawn, and a public apology, after she was censured in a non-binding motion for attending a march in Crowborough lastNovember. She later called for asylum seekers to be fitted with electronic tags.

The Sussex Police and Crime Panel said it had lost confidence in the commissioner and her conduct after she attended the protest. In a statement it said: “Her lack of impartiality has brought the office of Commissioner and policing into disrepute."

Other speakers at the AGM on March 26 (7pm) include Simon Stokes, chairman of Ansty and Staplefield Parish Council, who will give an update on the battle to stop a development of up to 1,450 houses being built in Cuckfield. It would effectively merge the village with Ansty.

All residents are welcome to attend the AGM. In a panel discussion, the Parish Council will answer any questions concerning the village. So this is a great chance for residents to make their views heard.