A VETERAN councillor who has served Canvey for more than 30 years is stepping down.

Ray Howard will not be contesting his Canvey West ward seat on Essex County Council at this year’s elections in May.

The 74-year-old, affectionately known as Mr Canvey, was first elected as a Tory county councillor in 1985. He rose through the authority to become deputy councillor responsible for Highways.

He also serves Castle Point Council as a councillor for West ward, where he will remain until May 2018, when his current term ends.

Mr Howard said he is undecided on whether to continue as a borough councillor and will be making a decision on whether to step away from politics altogether next year.

He said: “I will be 75-years-old in a couple of months, and this winter I have found it tough getting to and from Chelmsford four times a week.

“I have tried my very best to serve Canvey and I will be stepping aside to let somebody else have a go.”

Mr Howard has campaigned for many years on flood and waste matters, and was one of five people to have helped bring the current seawall to Canvey to protect it from tidal flooding.

He was the first person invited to meet Princess Margaret in 1983 when she came to the Island to officially open the new wall and barrier.

Jay Blissett, a Tory town councillor, will be contesting Mr Howard’s county council ward in May’s elections. For more information, visit cmis.essexcc.gov.uk/essexcmis5/Elections.aspx