A FORMER Corsham Town Council chairman will be stepping down from his role as councillor after more than 28 years to allow someone new take the mantle.

Councillor Jock Fraser, who currently represents the Pickwick ward, announced he will be retiring from his post.

"I think it is time to let other people take over," the 71-year-old said. "You cannot go on forever. I have enjoyed it though and I first started when my children were young and I was involved in the PTA.

"As you can imagine, I got to know quite a lot of people and got involved with the governing body of Corsham School. Someone said to me one day that there was a seat going on the council and I would be just the person for it. I went for it and 28 years later, I am still here."

Coun Fraser first joined the council when it was a parish council and has overseen many positive changes in the town over the years. Speaking of the changes, he said: "One of the good things I remember was when we moved out of Arnold House into the Town Hall and in the early days we only had a full-time clerk and a part-time secretary and now we have 14 staff members so things have changed dramatically. We are now able to organise so much.

"My proudest moment though was being chairman of the town council for four years."

Coun Fraser, who has two children, will spend his retirement relaxing with his wife Jill but said he is excited to see what will happen next in the town.

"I think I will catch up on all the television I have missed now that I am free in the evenings," Coun Fraser said. "All jokes aside, as comes with age, I will be taking it easy. I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and I wish the new councillors all the best and good luck because in the future there will be lots of different challenges.

"Always think what would be the best for Corsham; changes are sometimes for the best and sometimes for the worst but it is up to you now to make those decisions."