East Ward town and councillor Paul Symonds has told the Gazette that he will not be re-standing for the local elections on 4th May.

He said: “I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me and hope that the residents of Ross East feel I have helped improve our fantastic town on their behalf. Whilst I am not standing again I am supporting Milly Boylan as independent candidate to replace me as I don’t believe national party politics is helpful in local government.”