Now that the Ulverston Town Council elections are over, may I through your paper thank the residents of Ulverston West ward for their support and loyalty to me over the past 33 years that I have been their councillor?

After much thought over the past year I decided not to put my name forward as a candidate this year as I am not getting any younger and I want to encourage younger people to take up civic responsibility.

Due to residents' support I have had many wonderful experiences during the past 33 years.

I have been Mayor of Ulverston twice (in 1994/5 and again in 2008/9). I am very proud of my home town and I have been involved in some exciting initiatives, such as Ulverston Market Town Initiative, the group who instigated the regeneration of County Square and the siting of the Laurel and Hardy statue. I was chair of Ulverston Dementia Action Alliance who for three years supported people with dementia and their carers how to live well with the condition.

I have represented the council on various charities and committees, and have encouraged partnership working with other authorities and organisations, something which Ulverston Town Council is very good at.

People's concerns about bin collections, litter, speeding, parking, bus services and development – to name but a few – have been dealt with. It has kept me busy but it’s been fun.

For the present I am still a South Lakeland District Councillor and I am here to help with any issues you may have regarding the district council.

I am very proud of my home town and all those who under take civic responsibility. I would like to thank our town clerk Jayne Kendall for her commitment and devotion to the town along with secretary Susan Yates.

Once again thank you for your support and loyalty – I could not have done this without you.

The future is looking bright for Ulverston.

JANETTE JENKINSON,

Former town councillor, Ulverston West