All not as cosy as it seems

It was great news to read that Chichester has named as ‘the Best Place to Live in the South East of England’ in your paper last week.

However has Chichester passed its peak?

If you look at the letter from the Chichester Harbour Trust where they complain (among other things) of the raw sewage being pumped into Chichester Harbour and its effect on public health and wildlife etc you will realise that perhaps not all is as cosy as it might seem.

Then if you look at our city centre and the number of empty shops you will perhaps realise that our local economy is struggling and perhaps needs more help from, among others, Chichester District Council (CDC).

There is also a hidden problem of the lack of social housing in the area.

The average salary in Chichester is not enough to support a mortgage in Chichester or the outlying areas.

CDC plans new ‘affordable’ houses but these are still tied to the market rate and where they are rented out the rent is typically 80 per cent of the market rate.

Where are our young teachers and nurses going to live on the salaries pegged by the government at below inflation for the last 10 years?

This may all change in the local elections in four weeks’ time however our local political parties have been strangely quiet so far.

Have you had a leaflet from any political party? In the absence of leaflets how to vote?

Perhaps the Tories are finding it difficult to justify their actions on both a local as well as a national level.

However Labour do have a plan.

They will fight for our environment, back local business and provide homes fit for everyone.

In addition they will make council services more accessible and help families through the Cost of Living crisis.

Perhaps if we vote

Labour for a fairer, greener Chichester it will become for everyone the Best Place to Live in South East England. Joseph O’sullivan

Mill Gardens East Wittering