A CHELMSFORD councillor is stepping down after 28 years.

Councillor Ron Alcock is stepping down at the the next election in May 2019.

He has been a ward member for Chelmer Village and Beaulieu Park since 1999, and was first elected in May 1987 to represent the Lawns ward in Springfield as a Conservative candidate for the then Chelmsford Borough Council. 

During the period between 1987 to 1996, he served on the arts, housing, parks and recreation committees.  

In addition, he was also a member of the town twinning association, East of England Tourist Board and Cleaner Chelmsford group.

He moved to Chelmer Village in 1996 and in 1999 was re-elected to the council representing the ward of Chelmer Village and Beaulieu Park and has successfully defended his seat in every council election since then.

He recorded the highest vote ever in the history of Chelmsford Council in 2015, with 3,124 votes.

When the new Licensing Act came into force in 2005, he was appointed the first chairman of Chelmsford City Council’s licensing committee. 

Among his campaigns were a drive for improved bus services in Chelmsford and negotiating with Abellio trains to name a rail locomotive City of Chelmsford.  

He also saved the historical signal box above platform 2 at Chelmsford Rail Station from destruction.

He said: “During my 28 years’ service on Chelmsford City Council, I have seen enormous changes in the city, including the pedestrianisation of the High Street, the Army and Navy Flyover, leisure centre, Melbourne Stadium, new housing estates and the Bond Street development.

“I am pleased to acknowledge Chelmsford City Council recognised my service with an award after completing 25 years.

“And earlier this year, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, recognised my length of service, presenting me with a signed framed certificate.

“But most of all, I have enjoyed more than anything, the relationship with my residents.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Lawns in Springfield and for the last 20 years.

“The residents of Chelmer Village and Beaulieu Park for their tremendous support throughout my extraordinary journey. I appreciate the honour of serving both communities for almost 30 years.”