A LONG-STANDING community councillor has made the “difficult decision” to stand down.

Judy Lockhart-Hunter has served as a member of North Berwick Community Council (NBCC) since 2017, chairing the group from 2018 until 2022.

But now the former North Berwick High School pupil has made the decision to step down for family and personal reasons.

At this month’s meeting of the group, Mrs Lockhart-Hunter, who has a young child, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on NBCC.

“Before I joined, I had no idea how much of the amazing things that make North Berwick the great place it is, is down to the hard work of local volunteers.

“My family have a long history in North Berwick and always encouraged me to be a part of the community. Growing up, my grandparents John and Christine Rae ran a bed and breakfast at the Quadrant, and Bob and Primrose Lockhart worked at Highfield Farm before they retired.

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“I grew up in North Berwick, attending Law Primary School and, later, North Berwick High School; to become a part of NBCC and, later, to lead the group as chairman for four years was a huge honour.

“The things I enjoyed most were being part of the events and helping make them happen: the Calder Cup putting competition that has been going for over 100 years, the Christmas lights switch-on, I was part of the group that started the best Christmas window display, arranging the Queen’s jubilee celebrations... it was great fun and we had so many laughs along the way.”

Mrs Lockhart-Hunter was also part of the town’s emergency resilience team during the Covid-19 pandemic, which she described as “the biggest project” she helped with.

She said: “There was a core team of seven who all worked together and organised all of the town’s support. We recruited over a hundred other volunteers who helped us carry out the tasks we set up. It was an amazing display of community spirit, I will never forget being a part of that.”

In 2022, Mrs Lockhart-Hunter ran as an East Lothian Council candidate for the Conservatives but narrowly missed out on election.

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At the community council’s meeting on April 2, Mrs Lockhart-Hunter thanked fellow members for their support.

She said: “This has been a difficult decision but it is what is best for me and my family. I may well apply again for the group in the future but for now I need some time away.

“Thanks to everyone for their support over the years and I’m sure whoever comes in as vice-chair will do a great job.”

Kenny Miller, chairman of the group, said: “We are deeply saddened by Judy’s decision to resign, but fully understand her wanting to take a step back.

“She will be sorely missed and has been a great support to me since I was appointed chairman.

“She was a terrific chairman of the community council, and a very hard act to follow. We hope she does, as she said, rejoin at some point.”

The group are set to discuss appointing a new vice-chair, and will advertise for a new member shortly.