A LEADING figure in Chester-le-Street civic affairs for more than three decades is to stand down next year.
District council leader Malcolm Pratt has announced plans to retire prior to the local elections in May.
Coun Pratt has served as a Labour member for Chester-le-Street North ward since 1971, the first three years on the old urban district council and, since 1974, on the successor district council.
He has fulfilled the increasingly busy role at the civic centre while running his freelance sports press agency business. But he feels next May will be a fitting time to stand down from the council.
"By then I'll be almost 63 and will have been involved for 32 years, 12 as leader.
During his term at the helm at the civic centre he has overseen the transformation of the Riverside, including the development of Durham County Cricket Club's new home.
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