Councillor bows out after 21 years

Mrs Olliver said her goodbyes at the council's session on Mondayafter 17 years of service.

It was the final meeting of the council before May's elections.

The past two years have seen Mrs Olliver represent the Marine ward as an Independent. She was a Liberal Democrat for the previous period.

She has also said a formal farewell to Bersted Parish Council last week.

She is standing down from that council following 21 years of serving the local residents.

She treated her fellow parish councillors to wine and snacks after the formal business of the meeting.

Mrs Olliver (76), of Larch Close, believes she is the longest-serving of the parish councillors. Her election back in 1986 created a fuss. It was the first time for about 22 years that a poll had been held to find a new councillor rather than an individual being co-opted by the existing members.

But that uncomfortable start soon faded to leave Mrs Olliver enjoying her role representing the community.

She told her fellow parish councillors: 'Quite honestly, this has been the happiest council I have been on.

'It's been totally non-political with everyone doing their best for the parish. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a parish councillor. It's been a lovely 21 years. It's a long time but everyone has been marvellous. You all work so well for the parish.'

Cllr Mike Knight, the parish council's chairman, paid tribute to Mrs Olliver's work. 'I am sure I speak for every member of this council when I thank you for the 21 years you have given to this parish. We appreciate what you have done.' he stated.

Keen local historian Mrs Olliver was prompted to enter local politics after a threat to demolish Bognor Regis Town Hall.

She stood up in protest at the idea at a meeting of Arun District Council.

Her gesture was noted by a member of the then Liberals.

He persuaded her to translate her previous behind the scenes support for the party to becoming an election candidate.

She also believed a need existed for someone from the area where she lives on the boundary of North Bersted and Bognor to have a voice on the councils.

Having joined the parish council, she stood for election for the town council in 1990. She was also elected on to Arun District Council in the same year to represent Marine ward for the Liberal Democrats. She was a district councillor for nine years until she was defeated at the polls.

She returned at the next elections in 2003 as one of three councillors for Bersted. Again, she has been an Independent for the past two years. She will be standing again for the district council at May's elections.

Mrs Olliver was also a county councillor for the Bersted area for ten years from the early 1990s to complete a rare feat of being on four councils at the same time. This busy schedule has seen her attend several hundred council meetings.