A Bushey councillor who will step down on Friday after eight years of service says she hopes she has inspired change during her time in the role.

Anita Gamble, of Dunsmore Way, was first elected as the Liberal Democrat representative for the Bushey St James ward in 2003.

Since then, she has primarily encouraged the redevelopment of empty properties in the area, helped regenerate a run-down parade of shops and been an advocate for activities for youth and pensioners.

After winning two successive elections, Councillor Gamble chose not to stand in Friday's ballot, but says she is determined to continue serving in the community.

She said: "I have enjoyed my time as a councillor. I shall miss the people I meet with, and the meetings, but I will still be active in the area."

Councillor Gamble chairs the Bushey Community Safety Partnership, a committee which oversees crime and environmental issues in the area.

She said: "To me, the environment is one of the most important things and I felt it was being neglected in certain areas.

"I would like to think I have at least partially succeeded in clearing up the parade in Harcourt Road, which has had new parking bays and a new road surface introduced."

Other achievements during her time as a councillor include successfully campaigning for a recently opened children's centre, at Bushey Meads School.

She also used her ward initiative money, cash allocatd for spending in the community, to fund three benches in the area and to save a weekly elderly drop-in session from being axed.

Speaking at the most recent full council meeting, on Wednesday, April 27, Liberal Democrat group leader, Councillor Roger Kutchinsky thanked Councillor Gamble for her service.

He said: "Anita's vigilance has resulted in the reporting of countless potholes, some of which were actually filled in, and I would like to thank her for all the help and mentoring that she gave me. Her presence in this chamber will be sadly missed."