Local councillor retires after 52 years public service

A long-standing Llanidloes county councillor received a standing ovation from fellow members as he attended his final Full Council meeting, marking the end of an extraordinary five decades of dedicated public service.

Councillor Gareth Morgan, who has represented Llanidloes since 1973, announced to the chamber on Thursday that he was standing down from his role after 52 years of service to the community.

During his tenure with Powys County Council, Councillor Morgan held the prestigious position of Chair of Council between 1999-2000 and served as Board Member for Arts and Culture from the Board's establishment in 2002 until 2008.

In recognition of his service, the outgoing councillor was presented with a gift by departing Chair Councillor Jonathan Wilkinson on behalf of himself, fellow county councillors and council staff.

At the emotional meeting, Councillor Wilkinson paid tribute to his colleague's dedication: "We really appreciate the work that you've done here at Powys County Council over a long period of time – it has been an incredible service that you have given."

Accepting the gift, Councillor Morgan said: "It has been a wonderful experience being a member of this council from the start in 1973. Throughout the years that I have been member, it's been such a privilege to be among so many friends."

The Llanidloes representative also offered parting advice to his colleagues, emphasising the importance of unity despite political differences: "There is a wonderful atmosphere in this chamber; please do your best to preserve it. We've all got differences, we can argue in the chamber, but when we leave it, we must forget those and be friends. This is the way we deliver policies and have the most beneficial effect on the people we represent."

Councillor Morgan's departure marks the end of one of the longest continuous periods of service in Powys County Council's history, representing the town of Llanidloes with distinction for more than half a century.