A TOTAL of 59 years of experience will be lost to Swindon now the local elections are completed.

Seven councillors, who have between them served nearly six decades and won 19 elections, have now stepped down.

They are Julie Wright (Labour, Central), Fionuala Foley (Conservative, Chiseldon & Lawn), Chris Watts (Labour, Liden, Eldene and Park South), Claire Ellis (Conservative, Old Town), Toby Elliott (Conservative, Priory Vale), Mary Friend (Conservative, St Andrew’s) and John Haines (Conservative, St Margaret & South Marston).

By far the most experienced is Coun Foley, who has been a councillor for 19 years and held a number of committee chairmanships and cabinet posts.

She said: “I have had a fantastic 19 years and in that time if learned how there are parallel universes in Swindon, there are two sides to Swindon. During my time as cabinet member for children’s services I very much discovered that and along my journey I met the very best of mankind and, at other times, also the worst.”

Coun Wright, who served for seven years, said: “I am very proud to have represented the people of Central ward as their councillor. It has been a real privilege and would like to thank the residents of central for their support.

“I have done my very best to work hard to raise the views and wishes of Central residents in the council and inform the current administration about the impact their decisions have on the town. I know Coun Bob Wright, and Coun Junab Ali will continue this work

“My main outstanding concern has been the rubbish and tipping. As the council has changed its processes it hasn’t accounted for those without cars or means to dispose of large items. This has resulted in the misuse of public land and alleyways. The administration has not taken this seriously or provided the resources to change the situation.

Coun Wright said she has stepped down due to a medical issue which makes it impossible to continue to work as a councillor and added: “Can I thank every resident and officer who has worked with me in trying to address the very real issues that affect Central ward.”

Coun Elliott said: “Becoming a councillor is never something I planned to do. In fact, I remember helping out a friend during their election in 2005 thinking ‘why would anyone put themselves through this’.

“That’s because it is hard work to get elected – there aren’t massive campaign teams, it’s a few dedicated volunteers helping to deliver your leaflets and speak to residents. But I’m glad I did it and I’ve learnt hugely valuable lessons for life.”

Coun Elliott, who was first elected in 2012, took a particular interest in planning and development issues and served as deputy chairman of the planning committee, and said: “I’m so proud to have signed the joint venture deal with Barratt David Wilson to build 3,500 houses in Wichelstowe. We’ve already delivered Waitrose, the Hall and Woodhouse pub; and a new secondary school on the way in September.

“A huge amount of hours were put in by officers at the council to get this over the line, and they should be thanked. I will always remember the long hours in the council chamber debating the future of the town.

“It was frequently heated, but there is no denying the passion on all sides to build a better Swindon.”

Coun Elliot gave some advice for those new councillors who would be taking up their seats in the coming month: “If you’re passionate about doing something, don’t take ‘no’ as a first answer. Put your case across in a constructive way and stick by your guns.

“Everyone was new once and no-one has a monopoly on ideas. You won’t always be right, and compromise isn’t a dirty word, let your passion drive you.”

Coun Haines said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as councillor for St Margaret and South Marston for the last seven years. It is a great feeling to be able to play a part in reshaping the future of our town and have an input into future developments such as the New Eastern Villages.

“I would like to thank all the residents that gave me their support and I wish my successor well in their new role.”

See swindonadvertiser.co.uk for the results of yesterday’s election and what it means for the town and council, and tomorrow’s paper for comprehensive reaction and analysis.