Express & Star

Veteran councillors stepping down in Staffordshire

Many of Stafford Borough Council’s current councillors will be hoping to return to their seats this week after voters go to the polls on Thursday – but it will be the end of a lengthy era for five members who have clocked up 120 years’ service between them.

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Retiring Stafford Borough councillors Brian Price, Geoff Rowlands, Joyce Farnham, Frank Finlay and Ken Willamson

Nine borough councillors are not standing for re-election this week, including five veterans who have served at least four terms each.

And there will be changes at the council’s top table as two cabinet members are among those departing – Ken Williamson and Frank Finlay.

Councillor Williamson is stepping down from representing fellow Gnosall residents, as well as serving as cabinet member for resources. He was first elected 16 years ago.

Speaking ahead of his final full meeting he paid tribute to the friends he had made on the council over the years. He added that one of the biggest changes he had seen during his time in office was the sharing of services with neighbouring Cannock Chase Council.

Milford member councillor Finlay, who is retiring after 24 years in office, has served as cabinet member for environment and health since 2011.

He said:”When I joined the council it was very different – there were 60 members and the old committee system. Then we moved into the cabinet system.

“My memories of the council are all good and you remember the people. And we wouldn’t be here without the good people who voted for us.”

On the other side of council chamber opposition member Councillor Geoff Rowlands will be standing down after 20 years’ service.

Looking back at the changes in council roles that have taken place in the past two decades he said: “When I came on the council we had highways, housing and leisure. All these have gone – I wonder how long we’re going to have three tiers of councils (parish, borough and county).

“But I have enjoyed it. You make friends on both sides of the council – you may disagree with people or parties but you can get along with them as people.”

Highlights of civic life for councillors Farnham and Price include serving as Mayor for a year each.

During councillor Price’s Mayoral year, 2007/8, the Freedom of the Borough was awarded to the Tactical Supply Wing of the Royal Air Force, the 22 Signal Regiment of the British Army and the 3rd Battalion Mercian Regiment (Staffords) who succeeded predecessors 1st Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment.

He is retiring from the Swynnerton and Oulton ward, having served two terms totalling 28 years. He was first elected in 1987, lost his seat in 1995 and returned to the council chamber four years later.

But councillor Price will not be leaving local government completely at the end of this week however. He has just been re-elected unopposed to Swynnerton Parish Council and Stone Rural Parish Council.

When councillor Farnham was Stafford Borough’s First Citizen during 2005/6 she had the honour of welcoming the Queen to Stafford,

She stands down this week after clocking up 32 years’ service, representing residents in Stone.

She said: “Everybody is a friend here. Both the officers and the councillors are hard working and genuine.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be a member. I’m going to miss every moment.”

By Kerry Ashdown

Local Democracy Reporter