TWO women councillors have announced they will retire at the South Lakeland District Council elections.

Patricia Himsworth of Storth is to give up her Arnside and Beetham seat while Claire Chorley of Burneside will retire from her Strickland Ketel, Strickland Roger and Underbarrow ward. Both are Liberal Democrats.

Chairman of South Lakeland District Council Roger Bingham paid tribute to the two councillors this week.

He described Mrs Hims-worth as "a very pleasant member of the council" who had spoken effectively in the chamber.

He also acknowledged her work for other bodies. "She played her part in the community," he said.

Mr Bingham said Miss Chorley, who has a young family, had left her seat "for the best of possible reasons".

"She found she has not been able to attend as often as she would have wished but it was very nice to have a young woman on the council.

"She was the first councillor to give birth while a serving member and we look

forward to welcoming other younger members onto the council.

"We hope we can do more to assist them so that they can continue to be a public representative."

April 11, 2003 11:00