A VETERAN Labour councillor is set to stand down at the next set of local elections in May 2022.

Councillor Mike Danvers has represented the town (on and off) for over fifty years.

He is presently the ward councillor for Netteswell.

Councillor Danvers said: “I will be standing down from the council next May after 50 years on and off.

I was one of the last members of the urban district council.

“I am very proud of many achievements over the years. In particular being one if the driving forces for warden assisted council accommodation throughout the town.

I also was deeply involved in the greening of our town like insisting fenced areas around playing fields were replaced by trees and hedges.

More recently I have ensured the Council has a strong financial base to maintain services including its non statutory undertakings like paddling pools, pets corner the theatre and the museum.

“It certainly will be a break for me”

There will no doubt be lots of tributes to councillor Danvers but the editor of YourHarlow would like to pay his personal tribute.

Michael Casey said: “As a journalist who has attended council meetings for many years, you always know that when Councillor Danvers stands up, there will be a quote coming up. Usually it starts with “It’s a bit rich for the Tories to say………..”

But whether you agree with him or not there is never a word wasted and whether you agree with him or not (further) you have to recognise that Mike Danvers has Harlow in the very fibre of his being.

“When you speak to Mike, you feel that he is the embodiment of the Gibberdian principles.

“That is a challenging mantle to inherit. I hope somebody steps up to the challenge.”

Below is an interview with Councillor Danvers from back in 2013.