A RECENT bout of illness and taking time out for my recovery, coupled with the Christmas break, has given me the opportunity to think and reflect on the future.

I have decided that my family and health must come first.

I am therefore standing down as leader of the Stroud District Council Labour Group and as leader of the council.

This has not been an easy decision but I believe it is the right one.

I wish to thank all those councillors, staff and members of the local community who following my recent stay in hospital and illness sent me their kind thoughts.

Fortunately the virus has not damaged my heart but it has made me realise that I need to take steps to ensure I can remain in good health.

I wish to record my thanks in particular to David Hagg and Jane Russell who have been tireless in their support to me whilst leader.

I also wish to formally record my thanks to councillors Mattie Ross, Chas Townley, Paul Denney, Steve Robinson and Doina Cornell for all their wisdom, patience and commitment to the values we share.

I will continue to represent the Stanleys and to work with colleagues to be a full and active member of the council.

In the meantime I will liaise with my successor, to ensure a smooth transition.

The council meeting on January 25 will appoint a new chairman of strategy & resources committee who, as such, will become leader of the council.

Talking of Christmas breaks, we were very privileged to have a team of Waterway Recovery Group volunteers spend their entire Christmas/New Year holiday working on the canal.

The team cleared around 750m of canal channel near Bonds Mill at Stonehouse and also removed three trees that were blown over.