I'D like to say a big thank you to every one who voted last Thursday (December 12) in the town council election.

There was 536 votes so a special thank you to all the 536 people who voted. A special thanks should also go to the other three candidates who also stood for this great town council.

I know I had the support of the people of Lydney because when Co-op sacked me back in October this year a petition was started and there were over 300 names on it.

Yes I miss my friends at the Co-op and most of all I miss you the customers some of you who knew me from when I was a little boy.

And some of you knew my mum and when she died it was my friends and the customers at the Co-op that got me though the hard times.

Yes, life is still hard and I miss her so much. But I know she is looking down on me and knowing how much support I got from the people of Lydney I know I will be a good town councillor and I know I will make my mum proud of me.

I won this election with 219 votes so it is to you I say thank you. I take my seat on this town council on Monday, January 13.

I know that some of you who did not vote say: why vote it is only a bit of paper.

Some of you put the town council down and say they don't do anything for the people of the town.

Well the 219 people of this town who voted for me have now got a voice on this town council and you can now help this town council plan this great town's future.

Once again, a big thank you to all the 536 people from Lydney East that voted.

Thank you from your new town councillor and merry Christmas and a happy new year.

– Stan Rudge, Lydney.