FORMER Swindon Borough Council leader Roderick Bluh has announced he will be stepping down next year.

The Old Town councillor, who was leader for nearly seven years between May 2006 and April last year, will not be seeking re-election in May 2015.

He said: “I have decided that, after 11 years, it is the right time for me to stand down and make way for others to serve our borough. 

"It will bring to a close a major part of my life with memories I will treasure.  I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to serve the Borough in the roles of leader and deputy leader in eight out of my 11 years."

He was first elected to the council in June 2004 representing the Dorcan ward, comprising Eldene & Liden.

In 2012, he was elected as a councillor for Old Town following boundary re-organisation, and was deputy leader from May 2005 to May 2006 before taking on the role of leader, which he stood down from last April.

"I have met and worked with so many wonderfully dedicated people over the years, much of whose work is never recognised," he said.

"I am proud to have been part of the team that has worked so hard to improve the place in which we live. 

"Apart from the much-needed regeneration of the town centre, schools and facilities across the borough, which is on-going, I am particularly proud of the way we brought all the public sector agencies and private sector partners together in 'One Swindon'."

And he said he was full of optimism for the future of the town.

"With everyone working and pulling together, Swindon can achieve a lot in the future," Cllr Bluh added.

"I am delighted that Claire Ellis has been selected by Swindon Conservatives as our Old Town candidate for next year.  

"She is a hard-working and committed local resident who will give her all and be a brilliant councillor for Old Town and East Wichel.

"I wish everyone well with the opportunities and the challenges ahead.”

A chartered accountant, Cllr Bluh moved to Swindon in 2001.