A long-serving and popular Borough Councillor who is standing down at the next elections says he has had many “proud and humbling moments” while serving the Borough for 26 of the last 37 years.
Liberal Democrat councillor Tim Hill, represents Elstow and Stewartby and will stand down in May.
He had been an active campaigning Councillor for Stewartby Parish since 2007 and Elstow Parish since 2011. He previously represented Brickhill and Wootton Wards, having first been elected in 1986.
“I am deeply honoured to have been a Councillor for over a quarter of a century and had many proud and indeed humbling moments,” said Cllr Hill.
In a statement announcing his resignation, Cllr Hill listed some of his highlights while representing people in his wards.
“In 1990 I led the campaign for the release of an Iraqi constituent who had been imprisoned without charge during the first Iraq War.
“I was also a member of the campaign committee that led to the national ban of stubble burning and have campaigned on several issues of importance to local residents, such as getting residents rehoused and working to get average speed cameras installed to improve road safety and make residents lives safer.
“I also worked closely with residents and Council Officers to ensure there was a permanent exhibit at The Higgins Bedford about the Stewartby Brickworks and a heritage centre and heritage trail and, of course, the iconic chimney in Stewartby.”
Councillor Hill joined the SDP at its inception in 1981 and was a founder member of the Liberal Democrats in 1988.
He says he will remain an active member of the Liberal Democrats but will be spending his retirement exploring the British coast and countryside with his wife Jo.
Councillor Hill also plans to join Stewartby Bowls Club and will attend as many football matches and rock concerts as possible.
Mayor Dave Hodgson paid tribute to Cllr Hill.
“The boundary changes mean that Stewartby and most of Elstow will merge with Wixams and Wilstead which will be represented by three Councillors,” he said.
“Councillor Tim Hill has very big shoes and it may well take three people to replace Tim!”
John Symonds, former Chair of Stewartby Parish Council added, “I would like to thank Councillor Hill for working so hard for the residents of Stewartby and Elstow. I wish Tim well in retirement, but it is good to know Tim will still be active in our community.”
