A LONG-STANDING Councillor, who campaigned against plans to expand Birmingham Airport to save a 1,000 year old church, is stepping down after 40 years at Solihull Council.
In a statement Councillor Jim Ryan announced he doesn’t intend to stand for re-election in the upcoming elections on May 2.
Coun Ryan has represented Bickenhill Ward for 40 years on Solihull Council and 24 years on Bickenhill Parish Council.
He said: “In all that time I have received from the people nothing but respect, kindness and support.
“It has been a great honour and privilege to be elected throughout my service.”
Other the years the Conservative Councillor, who sat on the Council’s planning committee, has been involved in many campaigns to save services across the borough, including the Church of Bickenhill when it faced demolition to expand Birmingham Airport.
Another successful campaign he was involved in was to keep the public toilets in Solihull town centre open.
Coun Ryan said during his time as a Bickenhill ward Councillor he helped set up schools for children and young people experiencing great learning difficulties and exclusion from main education.
He said: “Over the years thousands of young people went through my schools and a large proportion have moved forward, achieving great things for themselves.
“This is a job that I will continue to do.
“I have always had great respect for my fellow Councillors, and I know they treat their service with sincerity and are doing their best for Solihull.
“I would like to wish them every happiness and success for the future.”
