WHEN I was elected by the people of Middlewich to be a town and borough councillor, I did not know what lay ahead.

The first meeting which I attended was the full council meeting at which the new mayor of the borough was elected. This was a straightforward meeting, over in minutes - however the second was to be an eye-opener.

I soon found out that my understanding of being a local councillor was not everybody else's idea. I may have been naive but I thought it was about everyone pulling together to do the best for the towns in which they live. Yes, there are always going to be some councillors who are more parochial than others.

It will always fill me with pride when I see the achievements in which I have played a part - Fountain Fields, Booth Lane play area, and the pedestrian crossing on Lewin Street to name just a few.

However, the proudest time for my wife and I was our year as mayor and mayoress of the town which we both love.

We had the pleasure of meeting people who work tirelessly on behalf of the community, not forgetting the traders and industrialists who gave so generously in support of the mayor's charities.

I would like to take this opportunity so say a very sincere thank you to all of those involved, because without you, Middlewich would be a poorer place.

It was a very difficult decision when I decided not to seek re-election because I firmly believe that Middlewich needs strong representation at the borough and town councils.

I hope that people will look back over my term of office and say that the town benefited from my efforts.

As election day approaches, try to judge the candidates with care. Read but do not believe all the propaganda which will be dropping through your letterbox.

Look at the calibre of the person and ask yourself is he or she strong enough to stand up for Middlewich?

Clr Mike Hunter,

Moss Drive,

Middlewich.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.