Lynda Atkins, the Oxfordshire County Councillor for the Wittenhams is resigning her seat after more than eleven years. She made her farewell appearance at the September meeting of Long Wittenham Parish Council.
Ms Atkins, who represented Wallingford, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell and the Wittenhams as an Independent councillor, said she would miss working with the communities after so long but said it was time for her to take on new challenges.
She said: “I have hugely enjoyed my time on the county council and have been privileged to represent a wonderful town and three amazing parishes. I believe that one should always relinquish important roles while they are still rewarding and enjoyable, and, as other opportunities are opening up for me, this is the right time to stand down.”
“I will miss much about being a county councillor but will continue to do all I can for our communities wearing different but equally important hats. My thanks go to Long Wittenham Parish Council and the villagers. It has been a privilege representing you.”
On behalf of the parish council the chairman Gordon Rogers presented Ms Atkins with a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation and said she would be greatly missed.
He said: “The parish council and villagers of Long Wittenham are indebted to Lynda for her energy and experience which she brought to issues that impacted on the life of the community. She has been in the forefront of contentious planning, traffic and housing development issues and played a significant role in the fight to stop the quarry near Clifton Hampden.”
A by-election for the county council vacancy is expected in late October or November.
