LIKE the giant coat of arms that hangs in the debating chamber, or the benches that seat opposing councillors, Michael Colne is part of the furniture at Hertsmere Borough Council.

The Bushey North councillor was one of the first elected to Hertsmere Borough Council when it was created in 1973. He has gone on to serve the people of Bushey and keep his seat ever since.

However, from May, and for the first time in its history, Hertsmere Borough Council will be without the services of Michael Colne.

The 76-year-old, who now lives in the salubrious surroundings of Moor Park, has decided to stand down at the upcoming elections in order to spend more time with his family.

Michael became an elected member of the Bushey Urban District Council in 1970. And it was with some reservation that he joined the new Hertsmere Borough Council when it was formed three years later.

Michael is currently leader of the Liberal Democrat group and was mayor of Hertsmere between 1988 and 1989. His wife Miki is also a Hertsmere borough councillor, and will continue to serve the Bushey North ward.

He is also Bushey North's county councillor, as well as a governor at Watford Grammar School for Girls and Ashfield School, Bushey, a deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and a member of the Bushey and Oxhey Rotary Club. Michael says he intends to continue to fill those posts.

He said: "I see it as putting something back into the community and that gives me great satisfaction. The party politics is far less important to me and I think my constituents recognise this."

He added: "I think the time has come to spend more time with my family and do things for myself, although I will miss it.

"I want to relax a little by doing some reading, spend time with my grandchildren and maybe going on the occasional holiday."