A Cockermouth man who has worked tirelessly for his town will be signing off from council duties with a popular play area project which he has driven for decades.
Cllr Alan Smith has served on the councils of Allerdale borough and Cockermouth town for 28 years. He will not stand at the next town council election.
At a recent Annual Parish Meeting he said: "I would like to thank the electors of All Saints Ward for putting their trust in me as their elected representative for the past 28 years.
"It's been an honour and a privilege."
The first All Saints ward project he was proud to complete involved Bellbrigg Lonning play area. Twenty eight years ago it consisted of a simple swing and seesaw.
Cllr Smith secured funding from Allerdale Council and the area was hugely improved and new equipment added.
More recently, funds were made available by the Section 106 from the nearby Strawberry Grange Development.
They have been used to upgrade existing play equipment and create new swings, climbing frames and a roundabout.
The development also paid for lights along the path connecting the new estate with the Greenway.
Years ago, Cllr Smith successfully campaigned for the Greenway to be asphalted and adopted by the council.
"It's a beautiful walk linking one end of the town with the other where people can walk with prams and pushchairs," he said.
"The lights discourage anti-social behaviour and it's very well used."
The upgraded park opened this week and there was no doubt about its popularity.
"The kids absolutely love it. It gives them the opportunity to get out the house, play and integrate," said Cllr Smith.
"The verges will be sorted in May/June and a fence erected to stop vehicles parking on the grass."
Cllr Smith, 68, who was recently made a Freeman of the Borough in recognition of his work, has also worked closely over the years with Highfield Food Pantry, Cockermouth Food Bank and Linking Lives.
He would encourage residents to stand for election.
"I can't go on forever and want to give other people the chance," he said.
"It's great to get involved and help mould your town."
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