ONE of Powys’ longest serving county councillors officially steps down this week after more than 40 years of official service to public life.

Colonel Tim Van Rees, a decorated former military man who was awarded an MBE in 1989 and spent much of his life outside the Army as a solicitor in Powys, has been a member of Powys County Council since 1971, representing Llanwrtyd Wells.

The 82-year-old was returned to council no fewer than 10 times and has served both Powys County Council and Llanwrtyd Wells Town Council while supporting the parish councils of Llangammarch and Trefllys.

Col Van Rees, a former two-time mayor of Llanwrtyd, has contributed and overseen many projects such as the provision of the community hall in Tirabad, the refurbishment of the reading room in Beulah, the community hall in Garth, the refurbishment of Alexandra Hall in Llangammarch and the successful transfer of Abergwesyn Hall to the town council of Llanwrtyd who continue to maintain it, and he has given his support for grants obtained for the now thriving Llanwrtyd Arts and Heritage Centre.

He has seen the building of the new Ysgol Dolafon in Llanwrtyd and served as a governor for many years, campaigning tirelessly to maintain primary school provision both in Llanwrtyd and Garth.

He has ensured over the years that any housing development was appropriate for the town and was proactive in the Tai Cae Mawr development.

He has been proactive in fighting to maintain vital community services within the area, fighting to retain the post office, the pharmacy, the ATM machine and banking services. He has constantly fought to promote Llanwrtyd and its regeneration, being involved in the flood defence system, a trustee of the war memorial institute and maintaining its presence and importance to the town. He has fought hard with the town council over many years to have appropriate traffic control measures introduced in Llanwrtyd, which are finally coming to fruition.

On a wider level he has been pleased to support the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the fantastic local service who together with community support pioneered the First Responder vehicles.

He has represented the county council as an independent member for 40 years and has sat on many committees such as the Reserved Forces Association and chaired many organisations which included the Breconshire University Scholarship.

Since concluding his military service as colonel at Youth Music Headquarters Landforces UK he has been proactive with young people in Powys, supporting them to develop their musical talents.

Col Van Rees, an independent member of the council for his duration, will either be replaced as Llanwrtyd member by Peter James, a former High Sheriff of Powys, or Liberal Democrat Martin Pigott.