Peter Chapman

Councillor in Weymouth and Portland

I got involved in local politics almost by accident.

I had in the past done some leafleting and small jobs for the local party in my home town of Plymouth. When I moved to Weymouth three years ago I signed up to help out in the same way but was persuaded to put my name forward for the local elections in 2007.

It was hard work canvassing and a bit daunting at first, not knowing the area well but the support I received from fellow candidates and party members kept me going and it must be the quickest way of getting to know an area, the geography, the people and the local issues.

There is of course a down side to being a councillor in terms of the work and effort involved especially if you have other commitments.  But the upside far outweighs the down. 

You really do feel a part of the community and it’s great when you can help people out, not just in your own ward but by influencing decisions that will have a positive impact across the borough and affect how the community will evolve. There is also a great social side to life as a councillor both with the people you work and the public you get to meet.

As a councillor you are a small cog in a large wheel, but it is the small cogs that give the council its momentum and direction.