Councillor announces decision to stand down

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 been one of the best county councillors in the area because of her professionalism.

“Both her and her husband were former charter surveyors so they were both brilliant when it came to buildings.

“Her husband became a county councillor and tragically died and Janet took over.

“She has been very good and she works so hard. It is a shame that she has had to stand down due to her age because she is going to be missed.”

Mrs Mockridge intends to spend more time with her children and grandchildren once she stands down,

She added: I want to spend more time with my family.

“I have daughter who lives in France so it will be nice to see her and my grandchildren.

“I will also have more time to see my family in England which will be nice.

“I will miss everybody dearly but I will still be here if anybody needs me.

“I really feel that somebody younger needs to take over now.”

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