There’s an outpouring of appreciation and gratitude for a community’s champion who is stepping down from his official posts.
Councillor Wayne Smith has led the way on many projects to improve Hurst village – and the lives of residents.
On Tuesday he said he would stand down in May, after 22 years as a parish councillor, 20 as the parish council chairman, and 12 years as the village’s borough councillor. He was also involved with Hurst Village Society for 16 years.
Dozens of residents heaped praise on Cllr Smith. Chantal Roberts told him: “You have given so much more to the village than most can ever begin to imagine.
“Your dedication, commitment and determination, to do the best for our village, not just for the short term, but for the long haul leaves shoes that will be a challenge to fill. Thank you so much for everything you have achieved.”
Cllr Smith, in a social media post said: “It’s been an honour to represent such a great place, I’ve met some wonderful people and made some special friends.” Hurst had lost some very special villagers along the journey.
He added: “There have been some very special moments, being involved in the Jubilee celebrations on both occasions [and] creating the Community Orchard.” The allotments, Martineau Green and the community orchard had been taken into the parish council’s management.
During the lockdown phase of the covid pandemic, a team of volunteers was created to support the village. They’d shown real community spirit. “We also completed over 10 huge litter picks with over 300 residents joining myself and the team . . .
“One of the first things I did, back in 2004, was to set up the St Nicholas Night Celebrations, which are now in their 20th year. Year on year we get hundreds of residents joining us at the turning on of our Christmas tree lights and enjoying some festive carols.
“We have been successful in defending unsustainable developments, and the icing on the cake was when many villagers contributed towards our achievements in February 2023 [relating to] the 200 properties proposed in Lodge Road.” The plan was turned down on appeal.
Cllr Smith praised residents’ help to himself and the police doing 100 traffic speed checks.
He added: “Hurst is very fortunate to have some great clubs, cricket, football, bowls, along with an amazing church. Our six pubs and village store also play an important part in supporting the community. We are very lucky they have managed to survive where so many have closed.”
He thanked everyone for their support.
