AFTER eight years as leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Salisbury district council, Ian West has retired.

Mr West, who is also a former leader of the council, announced his retirement last week, following his re-election to Wiltshire county council, where he is to take on the role of deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat group.

Mr West, who lives in Winterbourne Stoke, will continue as district councillor for the Till and Wylye Valley ward.

Councillor Paul Sample is to take on the role of leader of the Liberal Democrats on the district council.

Mr West said he looked forward to continuing his council work for his constituents and to his new role at the county council.

He said: "I have been privileged to lead both the district council and the Liberal Democrat group during a time when so much was achieved. The things of which I am most proud are the council achieving debt-free status, and the introduction of kerbside recycling collections, pedestrianisation, the new Five Rivers swimming pool and the first park-and-ride sites."

Mr Sample, praising Mr West's contribution to the council and local communities, said he had led the group through a difficult period. "He works hard for his community and always puts his community first and party politics second. Ian has seen many of the achievements for which we campaigned put into action by the council. He is deeply respected by all sections of the community for the hard work he has put into representing the Till and Wylye Valley ward and the Wilton and Wylye county council seat.

"He has been a good leader of the group and we are indebted to him for the hard work he has put in," said Mr Sample.