ONE of Sedgefield Borough Council's most prominent members has decided to retire after 30 years.
Councillor Fred Chaplin, deputy leader of the council for the past 16 years, will not be seeking re-election in May.
The grandfather-of-two is one of only three remaining members who were elected to the new Sedgefield District Council in 1973 - the others are Brian Stephens and John Burton.
Born in Eldon Lane, Coun Chaplin, moved to Ferryhill when he was one-year-old and spent his working life as a colliery electrician, starting at the Dean and Chapter Colliery, in Ferryhill.
Since his election as a councillor for the Broom ward of Ferryhill, Coun Chaplin's main interest has been housing.
Coun Chaplin, 73, rates his year as chairman of the council in 1981-82 as his most enjoyable and opening Ferryhill Leisure Centre as the highlight of his 30 years in office.
He said he intends to devote more time to his wife of 52 years, Margaret.
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