Interview with Mayor Merlin Milner

Name: Merlin Milner.
Profession: Mayor of Lewes as of May 18th. And business consultant.
Local lad? I was born in the Midlands and spent 18 years in London. Jennie and I have been living here for six years now. My parents lived for 40 years in Worcestershire and they were still considered tourists. Given what happened last week it sums up what an eclectic, accepting and friendly place Lewes is.
Best thing about Lewes? The Lewes identity is very strong. There is also a distinct local community spirit for all the different areas, too, like Cliffe and Neville etc. I also love the fact that I keep discovering things about the place, that I never knew were going on.
Worst thing about Lewes? People don’t always understand the richness of the facilities that are on offer here, and go further afield to buy things. Also sometimes you bump into so many people in the street it can take you an hour to buy the newspaper…
Favourite pub? The Gardeners, and the Lewes Arms. Good beer and an eclectic bunch of people.
What’s your poison? Harvey’s Best, every time.
Waitrose or Tesco (or neither)? I would be dishonest if I said I didn’t shop in both. I prefer Waitrose: more so since Tesco’s recent planning application, aimed at benefiting Tesco rather than Lewes.
What do you think about traffic wardens? The parking scheme used a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Sometimes less is more and, while in the past the police almost ceased controlling parking, we need to find a solution that suits visitors, residents and traders. (cont, on next page)