Lambeth Councillors - Lib Peck

Councillor Lib Peck

How long have you been a councillor here.
I became a councillor in June 2001 - the same day the general election was held.

What was your first involvement in politics?
I can't remember a time when I wasn't interested in politics. I started secondary school just after Thatcher was elected - and spent much time arguing with my friends and teachers in the then very conservative area of Bexley.

But my first political involvement was probably as a Greenham girl. I never camped out but visited the camp many times - the first and most notable occasion with my history teacher. At the same time, I was part of the local CND group. It is a cause I still passionately believe in and indeed, after going to university worked for many years for the National Peace Council campaigning on issues such as disarmament, the arms trade as well as supporting peace groups in the Middle East, Northern Ireland and the Balkans.

Why did you become a councillor?
I became a councillor for the same reason I have always been interested in politics: to improve people's lives, particularly the most vulnerable in society.

I have always believed in getting involved. Far better to have done something you believe than sat on the sidelines moaning about your lot in life.

What issue do you think is the most important to residents in your ward?
I think almost all residents want to live in good quality housing, a clean and safe environment, and have access to excellent community services.

Specific issues within Thornton ward are poor quality of housing on many of our estates and the poor council service for housing repairs. Crime - and the fear of crime. And parking - in particular the ludicrous over-enforcement on quiet residential streets.

What else is involved in being a councillor
As a councillor, I hold two surgeries a month and deal with lots of casework from residents often battling for a fair deal from Lambeth Council.

I try to attend as many community meetings as possible - from the local
tenants and residents associations to the school fetes.

I am also the chair of the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee
which examines how the Council has made decisions in these key areas of
policy.

Have you ever been a victim of crime?
Lots of times. Several purse and bags snatches in London and abroad, and several unpleasant incidents of threatening male behaviour.

The most dramatic incident was in Mexico when my partner and I were held up at gunpoint on a bus. But although less dangerous, I felt most threatened when our current house was broken into, a year or so after we moved in. It was the manner of the break-in that unnerved me: someone literally broken down the front door on a Saturday afternoon. The community police officer was very good and gave us basic advice on how to make your house less attractive to burgulars - such as low hedges and nets at the window.

What's the worst thing about being a councillor?

The volume of paper I have to sift through each day. The sense of powerlessness I feel when I can't help someone either because of the sheer enormity of their problem or the sheer inflexibility and slowness of Lambeth. And if I am honest, the amount of evenings where I rush out the door at 7.30pm to attend an unconstructive meeting, time I much rather spend relaxing or with friends.

What's the best thing about being a councillor?
The best thing about being a councillor is when I have been effective in making a real and positive difference to a resident's life. Or when I have helped to ensure that a community project has got off the ground.

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