A petition has been launched to force the Swale Independents Alliance to strip a borough councillor of his membership.

Alan Bakeman started the campaign on Change.org after Cllr Bill Tatton, who represents Sheppey East, refused to back a bid to fund CCTV cameras to monitor the beach.

Leysdown Parish Council asked Swale council’s Sheppey Area Committee for a contribution of more than £6,100 towards a £15,000 scheme for three cameras.

It wants to install one on The Spinney and two along the promenade near the seafront.

Parish council clerk Nicola Scott said they were needed as there had been violence and an illegal rave in the area.

But Cllr Tatton said the two beach-facing cameras weren’t needed and warned that visitors changing on the seafront would feel uncomfortable if they knew they were being watched.

He said: “I agree with having one on The Spinney but we also need one at the lay-by near the Harty Ferry Road turning where there is always fly-tipping. The cameras on the beach will only be useful during the summer.

“If residents are paying for them, then the cameras should be in places where they will be of use all year round.”

Cllr Tatton also said he didn’t care what traders thought as they didn’t pay towards the parish council.

Mr Bakeman says on his petition: “Cllr Tatton has made it clear he has no interest in supporting the needs of the residents of Eastern Sheppey.

“While there exists no way to remove a councillor from their position we can put pressure on Swale Independents Alliance to remove him from their party.”

This week 44 had signed it. Cllr Tatton said there was “no way” he would quit.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey