A DROITWICH councillor has announced he will not be seeking re-election on May 3.
Coun John Hartley has represented Droitwich Central on Wychavon District Council for the past four years but he said he felt, with the boundary changes and him having no interest in representing anywhere else, it was time to step aside.
He said: “I was born at the Worcestershire Royal but from day two of my life I have lived in this ward, along with many of my family members – my great grandfather is even buried in the ward, at St Nicholas’ Churchyard.
“It has been a huge pleasure to represent my hometown and ward.
“Central ward is a special place because it’s the part of the town where I grew.
“I have had the chance to meet so many interesting and earnest people, and to work alongside dedicated and diligent councillors across the district.
“As Droitwich members on the council, we’ve worked together to launch the investment plan for the town centre, campaign for the new 3G stadia pitch and lobby for a new leisure centre as part of the council’s long term commitment to health and wellbeing.”
He added he was proud Wychavon had frozen its council tax precept for the past five years with the bills in the district the fourth lowest in the country.
Coun Hartley also praised the authority for its other achievements, including providing free meals for 3,800 children who needed feeding in the school holidays, which he personally campaigned for, along with delivering 202 new affordable homes, investing £603,000 in public infrastructure and active travel and £300,000 towards CCTV improvements in the town centre.
Coun Hartley also worked with urban designers Create Streets on new blueprints for the district which will control future housing developments with a view to Wychavon becoming the UK’s leading authority for good design.
And he added he was proud to have held housing associations and social landlords to account to ensure accommodation in the town was maintained a certain standard.
“As the lead member for housing and communities on the Overview and Scrutiny Group, I’m also proud to have funded speech and language sessions to support social mobility in the town, which has been one of my priorities.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to all residents who have supported me, including those who did not vote for me, and to the many volunteers who help make Droitwich the successful town it is.”
