Navigating Crowborough with confidence: A conversation with Councillor Paul Goddard
For many of us, moving through Crowborough Town Centre is a simple part of daily life. We rarely give a second thought to dodging uneven pavements, navigating past street furniture, or weaving around parked vehicles. However, for residents using mobility scooters, or those pushing buggies or prams, even minor obstructions can present real challenges. But have you ever considered what it’s like to navigate the town without sight?
I recently met with Cllr Paul Goddard, newly appointed Deputy Mayor of Crowborough, to learn about his experience as a visually impaired resident.
Paul has been partially sighted since birth, a condition he has learned to manage with determination and optimism. His visual impairment has never held him back; in fact, Paul previously enjoyed a rewarding career working in the wardrobe department at ITV, a role perfectly matched to his creativity and passion for theatre.
Since settling in Crowborough ten years ago, Paul has become a valued and active member of the community. In 2024, he was co-opted onto the Town Council, where he brings both lived experience and a strong voice. Previously living in busier towns, Paul appreciates Crowborough’s quieter pace and accessible layout, which he says makes exploring the area more manageable.
A huge part of Paul’s independence comes from his guide dog, Stevie and together they are a familiar sight in the town centre. Stevie has learned the routes to Paul’s regular destinations and responds confidently to commands.
Paul speaks highly of Crowborough’s accessibility, noting the benefit of tactile paving (the bobble paving) which helps visually impaired pedestrians navigate safely. However, he does occasionally come across cars parked over these textured surfaces.
My time with Paul offered a heartening glimpse into how inclusive and supportive the town can be. His experience shows that Crowborough is not only a welcoming place to live, but one that can genuinely improve the quality of life for residents with disabilities.
As a Town Councillor, Paul is passionate about connecting with local people and is known for his approachable and friendly manner. If you’d like to raise any local concerns or simply have a chat, he holds regular monthly drop-in surgeries at the following locations:
- 1st Tuesday – 9:30–10:30am at the Council Chamber
- 2nd Thursday – 10:30–11:30am at Morrisons
- 3rd Wednesday – 3:00–4:00pm at Tesco
- Last Friday – 5:00–6:00pm at Waitrose
You can email Paul at: Cllr.paul.goddard@crowboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk
Let’s continue working together to make Crowborough an even more accessible and inclusive community for everyone.
