My politics: Councillor Roger Thomas

I was first elected in May 1997. I am now in my third term but I moved division in 2005 because of government boundary changes.

The electoral division

My electoral division is Hailsham and Herstmonceux. This includes the parishes of Hooe, Ninfield, Wartling, Bodle Street Green and Herstmonceux and the urban town council of Hailsham. This is a two member division that I share with Councillor Bill Bentley.

We serve two thirds of the town of Hailsham. The problems of an urban situation are often very different to the rural areas. In the countryside all the parishes have traffic problems and we have succeeded in completing schemes in Ninfield and Herstmonceux. Others are in the pipeline or planning stage.

Hailsham

In Hailsham, the new Tesco site has brought benefits and problems. We have a new school, and a renovated and expanded school as part of the deal. On the negative side we are concerned about the impact Tesco will have on the high street retail businesses. The effect of traffic management will also have to be watched carefully.

There are many deprived families in parts of the town, and the county council is already attempting to attract more business to the area to offer more employment opportunities. Councillor Bentley and I are delighted that improvements to the Diplocks area are in the pipeline and by the end of 2009, the road and pavement areas should be considerably improved.

We are concerned with the considerable number of new houses that are planned for North Hailsham. It will put a considerable strain on the infrastructure and I am also concerned about possible flooding risk.

How I have helped to change things

Situations where my actions as a councillor have changed things include securing a 25 year flood protection scheme worth over 30 million pounds to safeguard the Pevensey Bay Community (and similar smaller schemes to protect Robertsbridge and Lewes).

I have helped to bring new schools to Westham and Hailsham, and contributed to many road schemes throughout my patch. I have also managed to change the secondary school places offered to children moving to secondary school to meet the needs of their parents.

I was very proud to have served as Chairman of East Sussex County Council as this enabled me to see so much more of the accomplishments of the people of East Sussex. My time on the Sussex Police Authority and my current position on the East Sussex Fire Authority are equally rewarding.

Some websites I recommend

East Sussex County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

East Sussex Association for the Blind (ESAB)

Through seven staff and 240 volunteers, ESAB provides a wide range of services to 1,440 members in the county.

Environment Agency

The leading public organisation for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

News and information, fire safety guidance and advice.