A MARLBOROUGH councillor, who has been involved in nearly every big decision in the town for nearly half a century, has stepped down following the local elections.

Stewart Dobson called time on his 46-year stay at the town council when he did not stand for re-election, ending a period in which he helped bring in affordable housing, the town's swimming pool and leisure centre, protected High Street shops and was a key player in a major sewage works refurbishment in Elcot Lane.

Although he will no longer be a town councillor, the 70-year-old was re-elected as the unitary councillor for Marlborough East last week, so he will still attend full council and planning meetings.

"It is strange to think that is has been 46 years but I have to say I am proud of some of the things the council has accomplished since 1971, back when I joined," he said.

"I joined the family business, Dobson Garages Ltd, after school and then joined the chamber of commerce as a committee member. But I soon realised that if you wanted to make real changes in the town and make a difference, the way to go was to become a councillor and that was what I did when I was 24.

"Soon after the borough council was done away with and was replaced by the town council. It was hard work juggling both but it was worth it. I have always enjoyed it.

"Many people say that is a long time to be on the council but there are so many fresh challenges that spring up.

"Now the town council is taking on all these services, toilets and the youth centre among other things. Nothing stands still. I get a tremendous satisfaction from helping people. If people ask for help and you can deliver it is so rewarding.

"However, as Wiltshire Council is transferring many services to town councils, there was a danger of bias on my part. It is hard to speak for both authorities so I feel as a unitary councillor I can be more helpful to the town. I can pass on information from Wiltshire without it being double hatted."

To his delight, his nephew Mark Cooper has now joined the town council.

"He comes from several generations who have been on the council. It is a shame I will not be there with him but I am sure he will do very well. I am delighted for him," he said.