I WOULD like to use the letters columns of your newspaper to thank a number of people following the recent Berry Hill By-election.

Firstly I would like to acknowledge the family of the late Helen Stewart, a lady and politician whose concerns for her community stood out and whose shoes it is a daunting task to try to fill.

To my friends in the Labour Party, I thank you for your support and look forward to working with you all. A special mention must go to Paul MacMahon whose support for our ward and area has been tremendous and who stood shoulder to shoulder with me in the snow at the doorstep. I look forward to standing at your shoulder now and in the future.

To the people of the Berry Hill ward I thank you all. I am a very proud man to be representing you. To those that voted for me and those who did not, please remember if I can help in any way I am just a phone call away. If you have ideas or suggestions I also welcome these and intend setting up a monthly surgery somewhere within the village so that you all have direct access to your councillor.

We all know that the issue over Five Acres is fundamental to the future of our community and you voting in such numbers was not only a public backing for myself and Labour but also one for the FANS Community group.

We have made giant leaps as a community into safeguarding and enhancing that site but still have much to do. Despite the positive nature of the recent district council scrutiny report there are still those that may wish to ignore our vision or have their own agenda and we must be prepared to take the steps required to prevent them using Five Acres as a new homes fund bonanza.

Both my opponents in the election also recognised that our community and further afield need facilities such as the theatre and the leisure services to flourish.

We can see that creating a sustainable and flourishing community hub with enhanced leisure and arts facilities will benefit the whole of the Forest and encourage tourism into the area, creating jobs and opportunity.

FANS, our surrounding communities and local politicians who can also see this opportunity will stand together this time as for once we start to look after our own.

– Councillor Tim Gwilliam,?Berry Hill.