About me: Councillor Bill Bentley

This is my second term as a councillor. Following boundary changes, I now share the Hailsham & Herstmonceux division with Cllr Roger Thomas.

The Hailsham & Herstmonceux division covers Hailsham, Magham Down, Cowbeech, Stunts Green, Herstmonceux, Windmill Hill, Bodle Street Green, Boreham Street, Wartling, Ninfield and Hooe.

But how did I get here?

I’ve always been involved in politics, but before being a councillor I was more in the background as I was busy with my career. I used to have a community care business and I also owned a shop. When I retired at 37, I had more time to be a councillor.

Being a councillor is a people business – the politics goes away the day after the election and we all get on with helping people.

Now I really want to devote as much time as possible to it – I’m not the type of man to just get the toes of my wellies wet: the water comes right in over the top.

My community

I find the everyday work that doesn’t get reported in the news to be the most rewarding – it’s the small changes that make big differences.

I think it’s important for any councillor to get to know their area. You should find out about the people who live there and what they want, their likes and dislikes, and their needs.

Looking after children is especially close to my heart so I’m most proud that I’ve helped to approve more than 50 different foster carers. I was also significantly involved in saving the mobile library service that was going to be scrapped and helped to delay a hospital closure.

The hardest part of being a councillor is learning the corporate elements of the role and explaining these to people. Residents often only see the big issues or big numbers – for example council tax bills– but there’s a lot more to being a councillor than that.

My home life

I’m married with five children (this includes twins). They’re all grown up now.

My spare time

I support Hailsham United FC and I’m a Formula One fanatic.

Find out about my politics and how I represent the people of Hailsham & Herstmonceux