ONE of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council's most well-known members will stand down in the forthcoming elections.

A serious illness in the family of former Mayor Louise Parkin has sparked the decision for her to end her political career and bring to a close eight years of serving her community.

Cllr Parkin told the Weekly News about some of the key flashpoints during her time on the town council.

"Obviously being mayor was nice but walking straight into the chairman's role with the Town Improvements Committee was a huge honour," she said.

"I have enjoyed learning about different things, meeting different people, and seeing who things work.

"Meeting people is probably the best thing about it. People I have known for years visually in the town talking to me and it's nice being able to see their views."

Cllr Parkin said she spent around three nights a week working for Burnham and Highbridge and hours during daytime for the cause.

She pinpointed what she had found difficult during her time in power: "The most frustrating thing is time and red tape. It's frustrating how long it takes to get things done and frustrating when you hit a brick wall on something.

"The Frank Foley Parkway is good example of that. The county council are just not having it - I have no idea if they are going to finish it or not."

But Cllr Parkin ruled out a return into the political arena, saying commitments she now had meant she would not have the time.

"I don't foresee me being able to get back into it in the future," she said.

"I have enjoyed my time on the councils and hope that I have done some good."

Elections are due to take place on May 3.