About me: Councillor Matthew Lock

I was elected councillor for St Helens and Silverhill, Hastings in 2001, having moved here in 1998.

Although St Helens doesn’t have lots of problems, it has quite an elderly population whose needs have to be addressed. Schooling and education for 16–23 year olds is another issue that requires attention.

I’m keen to hear from residents – particularly from Silverhill as it is new to me – to find out about the key issues in the area.

But how did I get here?

Labour’s General Election victory in 1997 inspired me to start a political career. Now I’m a councillor, I enjoy the fact that I actually get to see things happening.

As a lead member for transport and the environment, I find it inspiring to know I am making a difference. Knowing that a road is there, a bus is running or not and I can doing something about it is great.

Of course, there’s always the red tape but any work will always have a negative. The positive and exciting thing is finding your way around those obstacles to work problems out and achieve something.

My community

The area was really warm and welcoming when I moved down here and it was great to get involved locally. Once I became a councillor, I really wanted to keep doing it and serve my area.

I’m particularly proud that Councillor Godfrey Daniel and I were involved in getting the funding for a zebra crossing on St Helen’s Road. After a long campaign, we finally got the agreement to go ahead with it.

My home life

I’m married with two children. My daughter now lives in Nottingham and my son in London.

I used to be a publican in Buckinghamshire before I moved to East Sussex. When I gave that up, I had more time and became involved in politics.

My wife works away from home – and my children have left home now – so I don’t have to balance work and home life that much.

My spare time

I’m a keen philatelist – I developed an interest in stamps as a child and kept with it. I still collect now but they aren’t displayed as I’d like them to be. Tthey’re all sitting there waiting for me to have time to do something with them.

Find out about my politics and how I represent the people of Hastings - St Helens & Silverhill