About me: Councillor John Livings

I was first elected following a by-election in 1999 and now represent the new Peacehaven and Telscombe Towns two-seat division.

My division faces two key problems: the lack of infrastructure needed to cope with additional houses being built in the area and the proposal to build a waste water treatment works.

But how did I get here?

I retired from my job as MD of a company of dental technicians in London in 1990 and moved to East Sussex in 1993.

I joined the fight against the application by Southern Water to extend the sewage works at Portabello with Cllr Robin Allen. After he died suddenly in the council chamber while making a speech against the application, I was persuaded to stand in his place at the by-election by Cllr Bob Tidy.

My community

I enjoy the quality of life and community spirit here. Knowing that you can sometimes help solve people’s problems and improve their lives is very satisfying – although people seem to think councillors have more powers than we really do.

Before I stood for Council, I was the chairman of Peacehaven Residents Association for five years, which gave me useful experience in working with councillors at town, district and county levels and fighting local issues.

It can be hard balancing a conflict of interests when a local issue you feel passionately about does not have county support.

As I am also leader of Peacehaven District Council, I was proud to persuade the County Council Cabinet that the dilapidated council building in Peacehaven was surplus to requirements. We then refurbished the building with the district council to provide council offices, a community hall and meeting rooms for the town.

My home life

I am married with two sons, one 33 and single, the other 35 and married.

As both my wife and I are local councillors (my wife sits on Lewes District Council) we understand the constraints this work puts on our time but our social life does suffer a bit.

Anyone thinking about becoming a councillor would do well to find out how much work it involves, otherwise your home life and relationships will suffer.

My spare time

I like to relax by tending to the garden, playing badminton or doing a spot of fly-fishing.