STAPLE Hill & Mangotsfield Parish Council chair Ian Campbell is stepping down to return to active service with the Royal Air Force.
Mr Campbell, a media operations specialist, announced his resignation from the council after being called up to support the RAF’s work in the coming months.
He has been chair of the parish council since it formed in 2023, helping to shape its role and launch community initiatives including a grants scheme for local groups delivering community projects and funding Citizens Advice services.
During his time in the chair the council has also launched the Staple Hill & Mangotsfield Expo, an event in April which connected residents with local groups and services, a ‘Greening the High Street’ scheme to improve local public spaces and ‘Festive Community Engagement’, to give people a say on new Christmas street decorations.
Mr Campbell said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to help get the parish council started from scratch.
“Building something from the ground up, alongside passionate local councillors and residents, has been such a rewarding experience.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and I leave knowing the council is in safe hands as it continues to grow and serve the community.”
A new chair was due to be elected at the council’s annual meeting on May 28, and a new councillor will either be elected or coopted onto the parish council in the coming months.
VE Day remembered: Pages 10&11