Councillor resigns and says thank you to residents

Christine McLean, councillor for Ashenground Ward, has retired to Norfolk to be closer to her son and daughter.

She said: “Moving has been a difficult decision, as my husband and I have lived in Ashenground ward since 1979 and made many friends there and in Haywards Heath. We spent a great deal of time thinking about what to do but in the end felt it made sense.”

Mrs McLean has been a Liberal Democrat councillor since 1999 and was one of the first committee members of the Friends of Ashenground Woods. She said that the greatest reward was being able to help people in the day-to-day issues which occur and working with residents.

She added: “I would like to thank residents for their support over the past 14 years and especially Richard Bates, my fellow councillor, who has been a tower of strength during that time, and the Lib Dem team. I am also grateful for the help I have been given by the staff at Haywards Heath Town Council and wish them and fellow councillors all the best for the future.”

Mayor Cllr John Sabin said on behalf of Haywards Heath Town Council: “Cllr Christine McLean tendered her resignation as Councillor on 12th March. Christine’s resignation was brought about by her move with her husband to live near Norwich so that they could be closer to their family.

“Christine told me it was a real wrench to be leaving the area having been involved in the community for some 30 years and had made many friends during that time. The last 14 of those years has been spent as a Councillor proudly representing and serving residents of Ashenground and Haywards Heath

“Though, having only known Christine for a relatively short time, I have never the less witnessed someone who has worked tirelessly for her community through thick and thin. Christine leaves at a time when many projects which are also close to her heart and that of many others will come to fruition, and in that regrets leaving at such an exciting time for the Council and Haywards Heath.

“I and the Council wish Christine and her husband all the very best in their new lives in Norfolk.”

The Ashenground by-election will be in May to coincide with the County Elections.