WESTON Town Council is saying goodbye to its dedicated town clerk, Malcolm Nicholson.

In January 2024, Malcolm will be retiring after a 42-year-long career in local government law and management.

Malcolm took on the role in 2009, and in that time he has made significant contributions to the town's development and well-being.

Malcolm has told the Weston Mercury that highlights include saving the town's museum from closure and opening the water park on Weston's seafront.

Cllr Alan Peak said: "It has been my pleasure to work with Malcolm over the past 12 years.

"He will be greatly missed by both staff and councillors alike. He has led us through good and bad times, in particular the Covid pandemic.

"On behalf of my fellow councillors Malcolm, I would like to thank you for your dedicated service to Weston Town Council, and wish you all the best for your well deserved retirement."

Malcolm has also said that he wants to keep active during his retirement. He hopes that he will have more time to tend to his garden and practice his Morris dancing, since he is a member of the Mendip Morris dancing group.

His role as the president of the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) will also keep him busy.

The SLCC website reads: "Malcolm Nicholson PSLCC is town clerk of Weston-super-Mare Town Council, the third largest local council by population, having been appointed in 2009.

"He is also Chair of the Somerset Branch of SLCC. He has a Law degree from the University of Warwick and following a brief period with a private firm and further studies qualified as a solicitor in 1983 when he joined Norfolk County Council.

"He has over 40 years’ experience in local government, initially working on a variety of legal work for three different principal councils.

"At North Somerset Council he managed a department including democratic, registration and electoral services as well as legal services and attended and advised full council meetings.

"He was also monitoring officer for 12 years from 1997, advising parish and town councils and standards committees, before joining Weston-super-Mare TC in 2009."

Malcolm has not ruled out the possibility of volunteering or taking on a part-time job.