SAVING and kitting out a playground that is the envy of surrounding villages is one of the fondest achievements made by councillor Nigel Thompson who announced his retirement after 15 years of service.

Other successes during his time serving Mildenhall parish council included buying Church field to keep green space in the village. Although retiring, he plans to advise on council projects to extend a footpath to the east of the village and provide a bus shelter for children living in the Leaze and Thicketts Road.

Barbara Philpott and Derek Price are also set to retire from Mildenhall parish council, after the trio clocked up over 50 years of experience between them.

John Bevan has taken over as chair from Sir Nigel and Chris Webb, Ruth Kolish and Anna Whitehead were appointed as councillors.

Sue Hine, clerk to the council said: “With central Government squeezing County and Borough Council budgets and the effects of the Transparency and Localism Acts, more is being undertaken by local people at a local level.”