A tireless community servant has bid a sad farewell to residents after 21 years on Hyndburn council.
Dave Parkins, 65, was first elected to represent the Huncoat ward in 1994 and during his time he staved off controversial housing developments, served as mayor and secured investment for the area.
Dave, of Woodside Road, Huncoat, made the decision to stand down this May to spend more time with his family and backed newly elected Labour councillor Eamonn Higgins to succeed him.
The former binman thanked residents for their consistent support at the ballot box in five elections.
He said: “These last few days have been a bit strange with the telephone no longer ringing.
“I have enjoyed my time on the council and I think I have left Huncoat in a better shape than when I took over. I want to thank all the constituents who supported me over 21 years, I did my best.”
Dave, who works for the National Autistic Society, was first elected for the Labour Party in 1994 until he made the decision to run as an Independent in 2003.
He said: “When I was in the Labour Party I went against a three-line whip to support the people of Huncoat. My proudest moment came when I served as Mayor between 2001 and 2002.
“When I stood as an Independent I did feel a bit on my own, I went canvassing and did everything myself. It made me feel quite well respected when I was re-elected.”
Dave said he would be helping newly elected councillor Eamonn Higgins to settle into the role.
