I've been so privileged to serve city

11.30.27am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 14th May 2008

Hereward Cooke

The former leader of Norwich City Council's Liberal Democrat group said it had been a real privilege to have served the city for eight years.

Report from the Norwich Evening News:

DAN GRIMMER

12 May 2008 22:01

The former leader of Norwich City Council's Liberal Democrat group said it had been a real privilege to have served the city for eight years.

Hereward Cooke, pictured right, who is moving to north Norfolk and decided not to seek re-election at the city council elections two weeks ago, said a strong community needed everybody to play their part - and not simply blame the council for problems.

He said: "A strong community reaches its potential when everybody plays their part. This means that as a first step, it is up to residents to participate in keeping a community clean, reporting problems, caring for neighbours and encouraging the young.

"No council can do, or indeed ought to do, everything for us. 'Norwich belongs to all of us' has been the council's slogan since the heady days of 2003 and that will always be true.

"It comes down to things like people picking up litter in their area and taking responsibility for their community."

Canon Cooke, who is also leaving his post as priest-in-charge at St Stephen's Church in Norwich, said he was delighted that his old Lib Dem seat in Lakenham had been retained, with David Fairbairn elected on May 1.

He said: "He is a hard-working and conscientious man who will do much to ensure that residents' interests are represented with vigour at City Hall. I pass the baton on to him with confidence and with the best interests for the future of Lakenham at heart.

"It has been a real privilege to become well-acquainted with the residents and organisations that make up the community of Lakenham."