It’s been another busy and rewarding week representing residents of Bexhill and carrying out my role at East Sussex County Council. A big part of my week was spent attending the Local Government Association (LGA) Annual Conference in Bournemouth alongside fellow Reform UK County Councillor, Cllr Andy Woolley (our Lead Member).
The conference brought together councillors, council leaders, government representatives, businesses and innovators from across the country. I attended a range of sessions looking at the challenges and opportunities facing local government, and I also took the chance to speak with councillors from other areas and meet organisations developing new ideas, technology and solutions that could benefit councils like ours.
I found it really valuable to hear how other councils are tackling similar issues, whether that’s improving highways, supporting local businesses, delivering services more efficiently or getting better value for taxpayers’ money. I’ve come away with some useful ideas and contacts that I’m keen to explore further as we continue our work here in East Sussex.
Back in the County, I spent time visiting Balfour Beatty’s highways hub in Ringmer to get a clearer picture of how our road maintenance programme actually works. During the visit, I was shown how highway defects are reported and prioritised, how maintenance works are planned and coordinated, the new repair techniques and materials being introduced, and how both planned and emergency works are managed across East Sussex’s road network.
Understanding these processes is really important. It helps me ask the right questions, challenge where improvements can be made, and better represent you when highway issues are raised with me.
I’ve always believed that to make good decisions, you need to see how services work on the ground. That means getting out, meeting the teams delivering those services, and taking the time to listen and learn.
As always, if there’s something affecting you in Bexhill West that you think I might be able to help with, please do get in touch. I’m always happy to hear from you.
Thank you, as ever, for your continued support.
Cllr Pete Morley,
Reform UK, East Sussex County Councillor for Bexhill West
July 2026
