A COUPLE of long-standing councillors have decided against standing in this year’s elections, for the first time in more than 20 years.

Theresa Higgins, Colchester councillor for the New Town and Christ Church ward, and Christopher Arnold, Colchester councillor for the Rural North ward are not running in May’s elections.

Mrs Higgins, of Wimpole Road, Colchester, has been a borough councillor for 22 years and felt now was the time to retire “gracefully” from the council.

She said when she was first elected she wanted to do as much as she could for the community.

“I now feel I have done as much as I possible could and want to retire gracefully,” she added.

Mrs Higgins is also a veteran Essex County councillor.

She said: “I stood down from county elections last year, and I fought for ten elections and won ten elections.

“Normally every March and April is taken up with elections and you do not have much of a life outside the process."

Mrs Higgins said her greatest honour over the past two decades was becoming the Mayor of Colchester in 2015.

“Becoming mayor was one of the biggest highlights for me, I had a ball and a wonderful time,” she added.

“It was a great honour being able to represent the borough.”

When Mrs Higgins first started out as a councillor she admitted she did not know what to expect.

“What I have learned is tenacity does pay off and the importance of helping people,” she added.

Covering town and county councils has given Mrs Higgins the opportunity to assist people with a range of issues from education to roadworks.

One of the most significant changes Mrs Higgins has noticed during her time as a councillor is the advancement in technology - especially social media.

“When I first started out we did not have laptops, yet alone social media,” she added.

“Social media is great for messaging, but people are so quick to get hold of you and want an instant reply.”

Looking ahead, Mrs Higgins said she will spend more time with her grandchildren and continue being a tourist guide for the area.

Mr Arnold, of Manor Close, Great Horkesley, has been a borough councillor since 1995.

The 67-year-old said he wanted to step down from the role as he has plans to travel with his wife.

He said: “I have no idea what it is like to not be a councillor as I have done it for so long.

“If I miss it, I could try and come back again.”

Mr Arnold said he believes fresh eyes will be beneficial for the ward.

“This is now a job for someone who can run social media well,” he added.

“It will be good to have someone new who has these skills.”