LIKE many thousands of people across Swindon, we wish veteran councillor Mike Bawden a speedy recovery from his current health problems.

It is sensible of him to step down from public office in order to concentrate on that recovery, and he has certainly earned a rest.

Coun Bawden has been serving this borough in one capacity or another since before a sizeable portion of its population was born.

During his tenure Swindon has been run by the old council, the controversial Thamesdown authority and the current borough council.

He has seen Swindon change from a town dominated by heavy industry to a modern community with a mixed economy and a global reputation in the field of high technology.

As well as having the rare distinction of twice being mayor, he has also served as leader of the council.

Political allies and opponents alike respect him, and he has always made a point of declaring himself available to listen to the concerns of voters, whether or not they happened to have cast their ballot for him.

The reason he gives for stepping down is telling: “While the prognosis for my leukaemia is very good, I will not be able to assume the rigours of ward work or an election campaign.

“Since I cannot give my constituents the 100 percent commitment they deserve, I have, with sadness, decided to step away.”

We hope there comes a point in the near future when he is in a position to resume that commitment.

In the meantime, local government in Swindon will be diminished without him.