THE next deputy mayor of Marlborough is due to be campaigning town councillor Hilary Cripps. Coun Cripps, a member of the town council since 1998, has a reputation of being a dogged and vociferous campaigner for local issues.

During the Battle of the Bulge 20 years ago, when she was a leading member of the Chamber of Commerce, she pledged to stand in front of the JCBs being used to build the pavement extension in the High Street.

During her three years as chairman of the council's recreation and amenities committee she has seen all the children's play areas in the town and at Manton replaced or with improvements planned.

Coun Cripps is also behind the bid to establish a tennis centre on the Elcot Lane playing fields.

She supported the retention of the Elcot Lane pavilion when it was threatened with demolition.

She also served a term of office on Kennet District Council where her main interests included housing.

Although she was born in the Midlands, Coun Cripps has lived in Marlborough for more than 50 years.

She is married to private hire cab operator Les Cripps.

The grandmother of eight is due to be formally elected as deputy mayor at the mayor making ceremony in May.

Coun Graham Francis is due to be selected as the next mayor at the same ceremony.

Coun Cripps said: "If I become mayor I want to see the community pulling together more with everybody feeling that they are part of the community."