Councillors have chosen the new mayor for Peacehaven

Independent councillor Lucy Jo Symonds will take on the role of town mayor from 2022 until next year.

Lucy, a single mother to four children and grandmother of three, was selected on Tuesday, having been a councillor in for the town’s North ward since 2019.

She said: “I am very privileged and honoured to have been elected as mayor of Peacehaven town.

“Peacehaven is a wonderful place to live. I think after 38 years I can say that I am in a good position to reflect on this especially as I have lived in the town as a teenager and single mum.

New mayor of Peacehaven, Lucy Jo Symonds

“I have seen many changes over the years, but the biggest change has been with regard to the development of the town with an increase in the number of residents and a decrease in the services that are provided to them, and the town.

“During my term as mayor, I would like to focus on reducing isolation for all, increasing participation and inclusion - and creating more opportunities.

“This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and I want to support organisations and charities to increase their memberships and look at ways that we, as a community, can create new activities and groups for everyone so that no one should have to feel, or be, alone.

(Left to right) Town crier, Jon Borthwick, with the new Peacehaven town mayor, Lucy Jo Symonds and new deputy mayor David Seabrook

“Isolation has a significant impact on both our physical and mental wellbeing and therefore by addressing this and creating new ways of engagement and participation for everyone, we can try to minimise the impact that this has on us.

Town crier Jon Borthwick and the new mayor of Peacehaven Lucy Jo Symonds

“This is going to be a very busy year for me and the deputy mayor, Councillor David Seabrook, and, as most councillors are aware, I do like to create ideas and make them to happen.”