NICK Taylor was first elected as a Conservative representing Mile End in 1999.

In a rapidly-developing borough, Mile End has changed more than anywhere else in Colchester over the past decade.

The parish council estimates the number of houses in the area has grown from 3,000 in 2001, to around 5,300 homes now.

With the former Severalls Hospital, the north growth area and other developments to come, this is expected to rise to more than 10,000 in the next decade.

However, Mr Taylor has expressed frustration at the lack of effect councillors have when faced with a Government insisting thousands more homes must be built in Colchester.

He said: “Too much is decided from higher authorities – a borough council is there largely to implement what is decided elsewhere.

“It’s been frustrating in the sense that there’s an awful lot a council does that really is out of its hands.

“Perhaps 95 per cent of what the borough council does is delivering a national agenda to whatever party is in power at Westminster.

“That only leaves us a small amount we can really do for the residents of Colchester.”

Mr Taylor said his ward included the whole of High Woods when he was first elected.

“The ward has grown so much they divided it in half in 2002,” he added.

“The rate it is going at the moment, it will have to be split again in the next few years.

“A lot of people are trying as hard as they can to preserve the character and the nature of north Colchester against uncertaintly and worry that residents feel about having thousands of new homes built in the next decade.”

Mr Taylor said he had decided to step down to concentrate on his firm, Taylor Rushby Chartered Accountants, based in Crouch Street, Colchester.

He said: “There’s not enough hours in the day to do everything.

“I’ve got a full-time business and can’t devote enough time to look after a ward in the town which is going through enormous changes, as Mile End is.”

Despite his disenchantment at local politics, Mr Taylor said he had taken a lot from his 11 years as a councillor.

He said: “It’s pleasing there are so many people who are trying to work for Colchester. There are many excellent councillors and excellent council officers who are doing their best for Colchester.

“It’s been a very rewarding 11 years working with good people and trying to do what is best.”

Tory group leader Kevin Bentley paid tribute to both Mr Taylor and Robert Davidson, his predecessor.

He said: “I would like to say thank you, because they have given tremendous public service.

“Both of them will be sorely missed because of their experience and knowledge.”

Mr Davidson, a farmer, is also stepping down as a parish councillor for 20 years, saying he wants to make way for “new blood” to enter the political stream.

Mr Bentley described his predecessor’s work as “phenomenal”.

He said: “The hours he put into the job will never be known to the public. I think everyone owes him a debt of gratitude.”

In addition, Lib Dem and former mayor, Chris Hall, is also stepping down.

Mr Bentley added: “Chris Hall has served the residents of Castle, which mainly covers the town centre, for longer than many of them have been alive.”

“Over 23 years, he has served Colchester with a keen eye on promoting cycling, history, heritage and the arts in the borough.”

Martin Hunt, leader of Colchester Council’s Lib Dems, said: “Somebody like Chris is going to be missed such a lot. He is a tremendous representative of Castle ward.

“The kind of devotion and public service that people like Chris Hall has got, is something you don’t often find.”

Nick Barlow, a fellow Castle councillor, added: “He’s a brilliant councillor, totally dedicated to helping people.”