About me: Councillor Beryl Healy

I was elected councillor for Eastbourne Cavendish (now Eastbourne Devonshire) in a by-election in 1996. Before I retired, I worked as a nursing sister.

I am proud to have been involved in a lot of campaigns to help people and was particularly pleased to have helped get rid of a dangerous traffic island in Seaside Road, Eastbourne, last year.

But how did I get here?

I decided to become a county councillor after my husband died. He had been a county councillor and borough councillor for 20 years and I was delighted when I successfully defended his seats.

I joined the Liberals in 1963 after being outraged by apartheid in South Africa. Now I am a county councillor, I try to provide a voice for poorer residents.

My community

I think there is more poverty in this area than people realise and it is important to deal with that. I feel we are often perceived to be a wealthy county when we are not – we have real pockets of need.

I also think it’s important to protect the county’s natural beauty and make the roads safer.

While it’s very rewarding being able to speak up for others, the lack of finance and being unable to produce the things the community really needs can be frustrating.

My home life

I have two grown-up sons, two stepchildren and 15 grandchildren. I also have dogs and I love taking them for walks on the beautiful South Downs.

My spare time

Being a good county councillor and borough councillor fills all my time. I also do a lot of work for Age Concern (Eastbourne), the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (Eastbourne) and East Sussex Fire Authority.

As a dog owner, I am very interested in animal rights in general. I also love reading and gardening.

Find out about my politics and how I represent the people of Eastbourne - Devonshire