Councillor announces decision to stand down

Janet Mockridge has served the Southwick division for 11 years

Prominent member of West Sussex County Council, Janet Mockridge, has announced she will be standing down in May next year.

Mrs Mockridge served the Southwick division for 11 years before announcing that she will not be standing for re-election in the county council election in May.

She said: “It is with great sadness that I am standing down from my position with West Sussex County Council.

“I have decided that it is probably best as I have osteoarthritis and it is not ideal for me to serve another four years.

“I didn’t think it was fair to the people of Southwick to re-elect me and then me not be able to carry out my whole time.

“I am 77 in December so I would be 81 by the time the next election comes round.

“I just feel that now is the right time for me to step aside and let somebody younger come in and have a go.”

Mrs Mockridge has represented the county council on Adur and Worthing Business Partnership, Port of Shoreham Liaison, South East Employers, Southern Regional Flood and Defence Committee, Southwick Community Centre Board of Trustees, Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority Committee.

Harry Treadwell, 91, who lives in Southwick Street, is disappointed to see Mrs Mockridge stand down.

He said: “She has b