Cllr Trevor Kensall, of Harmans Water ward, has decided not to seek re-election following regular visits to hospital for a number of health reasons. After falling ill in 2009, he has battled with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardio myopathy, both of which have become more serious within the past 18 months.

He also spent two stints in hospital last year, including over the Christmas period, after contracting pneumonia.

As a result, the 63-year-old Conservative feels he can longer serve his residents properly and after an emotional wrangle over whether to stand once more, has decided not to.

He said: “I feel extremely honoured and proud to have been given the opportunity to serve the residents of Harmans Water, Martin’s Heron, The Warren and The Parks. This is not a decision I have taken lightly. I have thought long and hard about it and I am very, very sad about having to step down.

“I will really miss being a councillor but I don’t feel I can properly serve my residents any more. I feel if I were to let them down, I would be letting myself down. I would like to thank everyone for putting their trust in me and for the support that they have given me during the past eight years.” Cllr Kensall has lived in Harmans Water for the past 30 years and was first elected to Bracknell Forest Council and Bracknell Town Council in 2007. He was chairman of the Harmans Water, Martin’s Heron & The Warren Neighbourhood Action Group from 2006 to 2013 and has also sat on a number of council committees during his time, including planning, employment and both the children’s and health overview and scrutiny panels.

He counts securing funding for the expansion of Harmans Water Library, refurbishment of the Harmans Water Community Centre and establishing regular maintenance of the Bull Brook as some of his favourite moments over the years.

Councillor Chris Turrell, also of Harmans Water ward, said: “We will miss Trevor on the council and I will miss him as a loyal fellow councillor. He is very well liked and has worked hard over the years. This has been a difficult decision for him, as he has always enjoyed being a councillor.” Cllr Kensall now plans to spend his time resting and recuperating but has added he will not just be “sitting still and vegetating”.