TWO stalwart community figures have won praise for their efforts to improve Droitwich Spa.

Labour town councillors Harry Hipkiss and Joe Doody, who both represent the west ward, have chosen not to stand in the May 1 local elections.

The Westlands pensioners were thanked for their commitment to the Spa at last Monday's town council meeting in St Richard's House.

Health problems

Cllr Frank Payne (Lab - West) described them as wonderful councillors and said it took true grit to attend weekly council meetings, particularly when suffering from health problems.

And he paid tribute to other members who are no longer vying for town council seats.

These include Tory leader Cllr Pam Davey (South) and Cllr Hugh Hamilton, Cllr June Alexandra and Cllr David Hall, who are all Conservative Central ward representatives.

Cllr Eileen Hope (Con - South) also noted hard work by councillors and town clerk Diane Malley to improve Droitwich.

"We have risen above politics on many occasions," she added.

Modest Cllr Hipkiss thanked members for their kind words and said he has enjoyed his six-year stint on the council.

He said: "Many of you have given me excellent advice and I wish you the best of luck in the future.

"Being a councillor can be hard job but I am confident this council can continue its good work."

Cllr Doody couldn't make the meeting because he is recovering from a hip replacement.

But in an open letter to the Advertiser he wrote: "As a Westlands councillor for the last few years I am very sorry to have too decline the job again because of health troubles.

"I would like to thank the people who voted for me in the past from the bottom of my heart."