STROUD is losing its ‘beating heart’ when the town clerks retires in November, according to Mayor Andy Read.

Cllr Read describes the role of the town clerk as ‘vital’ and Sue Creswick has fulfilled that role for more than ten years, retiring in November.

He said: "The clerk is the person who gets things done and makes sure that we do things properly.

"Since Sue arrived the council has become a lot more professional as she is extremely adept in running its day-to-day operation.

"The council handles around 30 projects a year and they just wouldn’t happen without her.

"The difference with her is that she has passion, she is passionate about Stroud and throws herself into every project that we get involved with.

"The most recent example of that is all the work that she did for Stroud in Bloom."

Sue joined STC in January 2000 from the private sector, moving to Dursley, but now feels that it is time to move on.

She said: "I have had my bus pass for several years now and it is time for new eyes and fresh thinking to help the council to achieve their goals.

"My successor will have to have a variety of interests that coincide with the priorities of the people of Stroud. "They will inherit a lot of responsibility as there is a lot that goes on in the background that the public do not see but enables changes to happen."

Stroud is recognised as a Quality council, which requires the clerk be fully trained but allows it to control a £500,000 budget. The clerk must be aware of every change in legislation in order to be able to advise the councillors before they vote.

STC has also adopted the power of well-being, which gives it the opportunity to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area.

Examples of this are the purchases of The Space in Lansdown, Uplands Post Office and the Long Grounds, protecting them against private ownership so that they can be used by the public.

"I’ll be a very happy man if the next clerk is exactly like Sue," said Cllr Read. "She is not afraid to get their hands dirty. She is the beating heart of the council."