Tree-planting marks White Ribbon Day

That is why a symbolic example was chosen for planting on international White Ribbon Day.

The day was an occasion to remember victims of domestic violence.

Members of the Safer Rother Partnership and representatives of Sussex Police gathered on Sidley Green this morning for a tree-planting ceremony. Each was wearing a white ribbon, symbolising their personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about domestic violence against anyone.

Rother parks staff had a splendid five year-old example ready for partnership community safety coordinator Carol Studley and Rother cabinet members Cllr Joy Hughes and Cllr Ian Jenkins to plant.

Both councillors are members of the Safer Rother Partnership's violent crime action group.

The partnership works to reduce domestic and other violence across Rother.

Cllr Jenkins said of the tree-planting: "Basically, it is an acknowledgement that domestic violence exists. It exists in al communities and we, through the Safer Rother Partnership, will be doing all we can to help those who do suffer from domestic violence and to eradicate it from the community as much as we possibly can."

The purpose behind the tree-planting was endorsed by Sidley Rother member Cllr Jimmy Carroll.

He said: "We are trying to go ahead with all these things to make a difference in the community."