Councillor Janet Roebuck has retired after 7 years representing the Shepley Ward on Kirkburton Parish Council.
In her final message, Janet said
"It has been an honour and pleasure to represent Shepley residents as a Conservative Parish Councillor over the past 7 years. However, it is now my time to step down and pass the baton over to a younger generation. I would like to thank my fellow councillors John Taylor and John Cowan, and Mark Eastwood MP, for all their invaluable help and support over my time in office.
The role of Parish Councillor isn't for everyone. It's an unpaid position and they cannot claim expenses. But, it's rewarding in so many ways. I became a Parish Councillor because I wanted to give back to the local community rather than get involved in the politics. I do hope that my work and contributions have helped to enrich Shepley's community.
Democracy, our freedoms, rights and way of life are precious gifts handed down through generations. Never perfect, we can always make them better. I've always welcomed different views, opinions, thoughts and ideas. I've always tried to encourage more collaboration and compromise between leaders, decision makers, local people, communities and businesses. I want to thank all my fellow councillors, whatever political colours they fly, for their advice, consideration, professionalism and sense of humour, especially during all those long council meetings. My special thanks too to Angela Royle, Clerk to Kirkburton Parish Council who has kept us all in order. I've enjoyed every moment working with you all.
I want to send my best wishes to Charlotte Bright who is about to take up her co-opted role as new Parish Councillor for Shepley. Charlotte is well known in the village and does a lot of good work for charity. It's important too that young people have a voice and we do listen.
Finally, to you all, thank you for your trust and confidence over the past 7 years. I wish you well and look forward to seeing you around the village from time-to-time."
Janet Roebuck
Shepley Village website
One of Janet's legacies is the Shepley Village website. We will continue to develop the website as a resource for the local community. Supporting Shepley's Magazine, Facebook groups, the Pennine Folks on Twitter, as well as local residents, organisations, charities, groups and businesses.