News I’msorry to


go, says Brian AFTER 22 years as Coxheath bor- ough councillor,BrianMortimer says he is sorry to go. But for the villager who has been


receiving treatment for bowel can- cer, his defeat in the polls also felt like a “weight being lifted” off his shoulders. “My head was so full of issues,


such as the traveller problem, high- ways issues and health needs in the village,” he told DownsMail, admit- ting: “It’s now time for me to get myself fit.” He wished his successor, Lottie


Parfitt-Read, well, adding: “It is a shame she doesn’t live in Coxheath, but shewillget to knowallabout the area in time, aswe all do. “I’ve enjoyed representing Cox-


heath and being a councillor, partic- ularlymy time asmayor (2011-12), whichwas special forme.” Mr Mortimer, who joined the


parish council after moving to Cox- heathwith his family, said he had no thoughts of seeking re-election. “For me it has been more about


helping people than the politics and Iwill continue todowhat I canwhen I canandtorefer issues tothearea’s other representatives,” he added.


downsmail.co.uk


Let’s work together, says new councillor


THE new councillor for Coxheath & Hunton admits she was sur- prised to secure the seat in last month’s vote. Tory Lottie Parfitt-Read (47)


ended Brian Mortimer’s 22-year spell onMaidstone Borough Coun- cil after beating the Lib Demby 145 votes in the poll. The mother of two (pictured),


who moved to the area from Lon- donfour years ago,was full ofpraise for her opponent – and can’twait to helpmake a difference to the area. “It was a seat the party had tar-


geted,” she said. “But I wasn’t ex- pecting to win, because Brian had been a councillor for 22 years and has done a huge amount for the ward. I was delighted to win and I’mlooking forward to representing theward. “I decided to stand for the council


because I believe that if youwant to make a change, you have to try and do it yourself – it’s no use sitting at home writing emails about things when you might be able to make a


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