Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday, but it was 26 years ago that I became Secretary of the Beith & District Community Council. 

 joined because I felt that Beith was a forgotten part of North Ayrshire and the Community Council was the body representing and fighting for the residents. Twelve years later, frustrated at the lack of credence given to community councils, I took the plunge and decided to stand as an Independent councillor and the rest is history.

Now, after 14 years as the councillor for Ward 7, I have decided not to stand for re-election in May. I have, in the main, enjoyed my time as Councillor and in particular working with the community. I have met and got to know so many lovely people and sometimes, the not so lovely!

My first task as Councillor away back in 2003 was to persuade the council to improve the flowerbeds at the entrance to the town.

It took three attempts to get it right but I think everyone must agree that they are looking lovely now. I was also involved in the improvements at The Cross ( initiated by the Community Council) and the Foley and they have made such a difference to the centre of the town.

I would like to think that whoever takes over after the election will continue to fight for improvements to the town; there is still a long way to go.

I was so naive when I was first elected and was shocked to discover that party politics plays such a large part in Local Government.

The party Line in most cases must be followed even if individual Councillors are not in full agreement.

My view then, and to this day, is that decisions should be made for the good of the constituents, not the Party. 

Independent Councillors have over the past few years made a difference within the Council and I believe that there is an important role for them to play in the way going forward. I am proud to have played a part.

Thanks to everyone who has wished me well in my retirement. I somehow think that I may in the months ahead, wonder how I had the time to be a Councillor!

Councillor Jean Highgate