MALVERN will be losing at least one of its current representatives on Worcestershire County Council following the announcement of candidates for the election on June 7.

Malvern Link's Barbara Watton has decided not to contest her seat but will not be turning her back on the campaign trail altogether, working instead on behalf of Liberal Democrat Parliamentary hopeful Mike Hadley.

Mr Hadley will be trying to capture the West Worcestershire seat currently held by Sir Michael Spicer in the General Election on the same day.

"I felt that having been a county councillor for Malvern Link since December 1996 that I wanted a break," said Coun Watton.

"It's such a huge area - a sixth of Malvern Town and a large rural area - and it's very heavy workload. Also, I wanted to help get a Liberal Democrat MP elected for this area."

Coun Watton, a former Malvern town councillor, won her seat on Hereford and Worcester County Council at a by-election and held it to take her place on the new Worcestershire County Council.

She has not ruled out a return to active politics. She cited the successful campaign to introduce lower village speed limits and the on-going cross-party efforts to secure a better deal for schools as highlights of her time as a county councillor.

Coun Watton said: "All the people in education - officers and councillors - have worked together to do their best for our schools, we've all campaigned for better funding."

She said she was also proud of the county's efforts to promote music and the arts, having attended the Youth Music Gala at Malvern Theatres on Sunday.