About me: Councillor Stephen Shing

I was elected councillor for Willingdon, Polegate and East Dean in 2001, having been a parish councillor for Willingdon and Jevington since 1997 and representative for Willingdon on Wealden District Council since 1999. I moved to East Sussex in 1972.

As a councillor, I will continue to work to improve various problems facing my division such as road safety through better road maintenance, building more cycle lanes and getting more police on the beat.

But how did I get here?

I felt Willingdon had been poorly represented at county and district level for some time, and was missing out on its due funding and allocation of facilities.

When I saw what a difference a hard-working councillor could make, I decided to stand as a politician to address this unfairness and bring about change.

My community

Willingdon has been a village for centuries and it gives me a real boost to know I live and work among residents who are proud of that fact, and who are willing to fight to protect our beautiful and precious village and environment.

It’s very rewarding to be able to make a difference and assist residents with their problems.

I greatly enjoyed working with residents and the Council to bring in a road safety management scheme in Willingdon and East Dean, extending recycling facilities throughout the division and reintroducing the bus service to the area.

Of course, it can be frustrating dealing with the shortage of funding available to us, as can seeing good ideas sabotaged and vetoed because of party politics.

My home life

My wife Oi-Lin and I have three children, Helena, Daniel and Raymond.

We own and work in our own Chinese takeaway outlet and I am also a qualified plumber.

I think it’s important to keep a healthy balance between being a councillor and your home life. It’s also very important to listen to the people you represent.

My spare time

I am a very keen gardener, and I enjoy swimming and walks in the countryside.