Delia steps down after 13 years

11:14am Monday 12th May 2008

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A POPULAR and dedicated parish councillor is stepping down after 13 years spent serving her community.

Delia Caswell decided not to stand in last week's parish council elections for Culcheth and Glazebury.

Instead it will be her newly-elected husband, Peter, who she lives with at Hurst Mill Lane, flying the Labour flag on the Conservative-dominated council.

But at a recent parish council meeting, Delia, who is known for her community and charity work, said her 13 years' service - which included two chairmanships - had never been about the politics.

"I have enjoyed it, I must admit," she said. "When I first became parish councillor someone said the only rule is to nag at the borough council and I'm quite good at that!"

"I feel on the parish council that politics never really mattered.

"It's just a shame the residents don't always see that we do work together and that we're all here for the benefit of the community we live in.

"If people came to the meetings they probably wouldn't realise what political side we're on because we're all pulling in the same direction.

"I'm just grateful I've been allowed to do my little bit for Glazebury."

Parish council chairman Paul Campbell paid tribute to Delia, who hopes to spend more time with her family, including her two grandsons, and enjoying her passion for watching cricket.

"Delia is a brilliant worker for the community who has put in hours and hours of her free time for others' benefit," Clr Campbell said.

"She is totally unbiased, has always been there for me, and we thank her for everything she has done - we're going to miss you Delia!"

Delia, aged 66, was the leading organiser of the villages' annual community day. She and Peter also open up their garden every spring for a Snowdrop Walk' in aid of the Phakamisa project which helps poverty-stricken communities in South Africa.