About me: Councillor Robert Tidy

I was elected councillor for Wadhurst in 1997. Problems in my division include a shortage of affordable housing, speeding traffic and a small number of disaffected young people.

The decline of agriculture in rural Sussex has also had a detrimental affect on the landscape.

But how did I get here?

My family has lived in Sussex for generations. When I was growing up, I joined the Young Conservatives and the Young Farmers' Club which taught me tolerance and the skills to become active in agricultural politics.

Politics can be a cruel master but a rewarding pastime. As a councillor, I enjoy helping to create better services and improving people's quality of life by helping to guide policies through Council.

I am pleased to have helped bring broadband to 99.5% of East Sussex, ahead of any other county in the south east and with record take-up. I was also pleased to have finally succeeded in getting the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty recognised as a very marginal agricultural area that needed special measures to preserve its landscape.

My community

The Sussex landscape is second-to-none and Wadhurst itself contains some truly spectacular countryside.

The people here are self-reliant and, for the most part, very caring citizens and that makes it all the more satisfying when you are able to help people cope with some of the adversities of life.

My home life

I am married to Sylvia, the mother of my four children. We are also proud grandparents.

I am a retired dairy farmer but I still farm to improve the biodiversity through a Countryside Stewardship Scheme.

My spare time

I am active in the National Farmers' Union and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Advisory Committee.

I enjoy travel and reading but I'm also happy walking the dogs and spending time with my family and friends.