A LONG-SERVING councillor will not be standing in the all-out elections in Warrington next month.

Cllr Bob Barr, the leader of the town’s Liberal Democrats, says he feels ‘this is the right time’ to retire.

The politician stood in Warrington South in the 2015 and 2017 general elections – and saved his deposit on both occasions.

He said: “I have been a borough councillor for 18 years since 2006 and a parish councillor for 22 years.

“On the borough council I was an executive (cabinet) member for five years holding the planning regeneration and housing portfolios. I have served as chair of the parish council three times.

“I have enjoyed my time on both councils, particularly at times when they could reach consensus on improving life for the residents of Warrington or Lymm.

“I certainly preferred, being part of the Liberal Democrat led administration between 2006 – 2011, to opposition. I have been leader of the Liberal Democrat group for nine years.”

Cllr Barr says councils can achieve most when there is ‘cross-party working to a common goal’.

“And the truth is that there is more that unites us, than divides us, at the local level,” he added.

“I am 75 next birthday and feel this is the right time to retire. I am proud of much of what we have achieved.

“Despite some critics, Warrington and Lymm are widely recognised as a successful town and village.

“I am looking forward to more freedom to travel and spend time with my family as well as spending more time on my academic interests.

“I am grateful to the voters of Lymm and Thelwall for having given me the opportunity to serve.”