ALMOST half of Otley Town Council, including the Town Mayor, will not be seeking re-election next month.

Of the 15 seats on the town council, six Labour Party councillors are stepping down and will not be returning after the elections on Thursday, May 6.

This year's Mayor, Coun Mike Evans, and former Mayor Coun Jennifer Clifton are both standing down after four years, as is Coun Sue Egan, the current council leader who next year would have been the town's millennium Mayor.

Coun Evans has been doing social work in St Helena in the South Atlantic for the last five weeks and is due to return next week.

His wife and Mayoress, Morag Evans, said increased work commitments was the main reason why Coun Evans was standing down.

She added: "He has found it very interesting and has been pleased to see more involvement from local groups in committees."

Coun Clifton, a lecturer in business and leisure studies at Shipley College, said work and personal commitments meant she no longer had the time to give to the council.

Coun Clifton, who has been on the council for four years, said she was sorry to go and she would miss having the opportunity to be able to change things around the town.

"I am sure that whoever comes next will do an excellent job and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years. It has been a real pleasure to meet a much wider section of people, especially when I was Town Mayor."

Also stepping down are Coun Chris Speedy, Coun David Egan and Coun Pam Gill.

Coun Speedy, who represented the Danefield Ward and has been governor chairman of Prince Henry's Grammar School since last September, said it was time to let someone else have a go on the council.

Coun Gill, also Danefield Ward, is stepping down because of personal reasons while her son, Nigel Gill is seeking election in her place.

Husband and wife Sue and David Egan last week they would not be standing again in next month's elections.

l Election line-up in Wharfedale, Aireborough and Horsforth - Page 5.

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