Peter Burrows explains why he loves living in Seaton.

Please introduce yourself

My name is Peter Burrows and I am currently the Town Mayor of Seaton. I moved here 22 years ago with my wife Terry and three children to enjoy a better quality of life. I have been a town councillor for 19 years and an East Devon District Councillor for 12 years. I have worked in Seaton for most of my time here except when I worked at the other hospitals in East Devon as a nursing auxiliary. I chair the Seaton and District Liberal Democrats.

What is your favourite memory associated with Seaton?

Without a doubt it must be the carnival. I had only known daytime events so when it passed my house, Queen Street, in the evening I was hooked. The passion and dedication to keeping the tradition going with ever-changing regulations makes for a wonderful team of people and I am proud to be one of them for the last 18 years. Later memories must include the Seaton Majorettes which include four grandchildren and going to all the East Devon Carnivals helping them. It is great being a part of the procession.

What do you like most about Seaton?

The friendliness that is shown by others when walking the dog in the morning along the seafront. I get more requests for help during these periods than any other. We have so many people who give their free time for others, organisations like the Royal British Legion and the Seaton Lions, Rotary etc. Let’s not forget the way the community stood together to fight the selling of the Town Hall to fund a misguided purchase of Willoughby House. The mayor at the time blamed me, best compliment I have ever received!

What is your favourite shop in Seaton?

I love all the many independent shops in Seaton and have been in most at some time or another. Nice to see new shops opening which give the town more vibrancy. We have a new micro pub, art galleries, craft, flower, cycle, fashion shops and, of course, eating and drinking establishments. But on a daily basis it must be Byrne-jones and Animalbotanics, where Teddy takes me.

How have you seen Seaton develop throughout the years?

In the past we always had to take a back seat to Sidmouth. Many of us mourn the loss of the camp but rejoice that we have a hotel back in the shape of the Premier Inn. New homes for families at Pebble beach have got to be a good thing. Seaton has many new events that the town council put on to encourage visitors to stay and spend money and time in our lovely town. We have a great team of staff who go the extra mile to help locals and visitors alike. Promotion of our town is very important with 25,000 town guides produced and distributed and a first for the area, the new Seaton Town app.

What is your favourite building in Seaton?

At this moment, it must be one of the two listed buildings in Queen Street that is getting a new thatch. Also, the lovely Clock Tower, which was repaired the last time I was Mayor, so I must get the job done again. I look forward to seeing the new Seaton Beach development on the seafront finished, as I believe that will make a statement as will the Seaton Quay, when that is started. The new Seaton Tramway building could also be in the running. But if you are looking for a building for use it must be the Town Hall with the Gateway Theatre and museum. Now in the safe hands of Alan Nicholas and Ted Gosling.