TRIBUTES were paid to five retiring councillors - including two former mayors - at their last meeting in the town hall.
Couns Linda Burgess, Malcolm Clements, Alan Hampson, Roy Miller and Dick Wraith will all stand down from their duties when their current terms end next month.
Their fellow councillors took turns to pay tribute to them last Thursday ahead of the last meeting of the full council before election day.
Coun Linda Burgess was first elected as the councillor for Penistone East in 1988, taking up her post in Darton West in 2004 after the boundaries were redrawn.
She was Mayor of Barnsley from 2016 to 2017, and was also the first chairman of the North Area Council when it was established.
Coun Sharon Howard said Coun Burgess had been ‘so many things to so many people’ in her time in local authority.
“Linda has been a real community councillor,” said Coun Howard. “And this is where she thrives - out in the community, working with residents.
“The number of community groups, schools and individuals she’s worked with or helped over the years is just amazing.”
Coun Malcolm Clements served the Royston ward, also serving on the North East Area Council and working as a Unison branch convenor.
“I would like to thank Malcolm for his fantastic work ethic whilst serving the Royston ward, and also in any borough wide work he’s undertaken,” said Coun Caroline Makinson.
“His analytical way of working and attention to the finer details of planning processes has been a very good source of scrutiny for the council.
“He’s often given different perspectives and opinions but always given them in a good communicative manner.”
Coun Allan Hampson served the North East ward, and alongside Coun Clements was a member of the North East Area Council, as well as holding a place on the planning board.
Coun Jeff Ennis, who worked with Coun Hampson, said he had done a ‘fantastic job’ for the ward.
“I’ve had the privilege since 1980 to serve with a lot of good ward colleagues,” added Coun Ennis.
“We’ve always had a fantastic team and Alan has been part and parcel of that team.”
Coun Roy Miller was first elected to represent Darton East in 1988, and will retire from the ward when his current term ends next month.
Coun Howard said that Coun Miller, who was Mayor of Barnsley from 2004 to 2005, has had to make some ‘tough decisions’ in his post as cabinet spokesman for ‘place’.
“Roy has had to fend off a lot of negativity from the public, but he’s always dealt with this in his own way and with dignity,” she added.
“When he leaves this council he will take with him a vast amount of experience and knowledge.”
Coun Dick Wraith has stepped down after a career that started in 1976, and Coun Jim Andrews said he had ‘worked tirelessly for the people of Wombwell’.
“He’s always been a familiar figure in his ward and around the town hall, and his presence will be greatly missed,” said Coun Andrews.
