A COUNCILLOR who clocked up more than 60 years of service for Buntingford has been made an honorary alderman. John Reynolds was presented with a medal and certificate by Nigel Copping, from East Herts District Council, before last week s town council meet

A COUNCILLOR who clocked up more than 60 years of service for Buntingford has been made an honorary alderman.

John Reynolds was presented with a medal and certificate by Nigel Copping, from East Herts District Council, before last week's town council meeting at Buntingford Manor House.

Cllr Stan Bull, who has served with Mr Reynolds on both the town and district councils, said: "John has done a terrific amount for the town, it's a privilege to know him.

"He was always very wise when making decisions, and was a hard act to follow on the district council."

Mr Reynolds was a member of Buntingford Parish Council, which later became Buntingford Town Council, for 34 years, serving as chairman of the full council, and also heading up the amenities committee.

He was first elected to East Herts District Council in 1964, when it was known as Braughing Royal District Council.

Here he was Chairman of the Appeals Committee for many years, and also served as council vice-chairman. He stepped down from both councils in 1995.

Mr Reynolds always ran as an independent ­candidate, as he believes "there is no place for party politics in local government."

He said: "As an independent candidate it is sometimes difficult to get the top jobs, but I was sufficiently well thought of to be made vice-chairman of the council at one point."

As an Honorary Alderman, Mr Reynolds will be invited to attend all civic ceremonies involving Buntingford.

He will also be encouraged to support the work of the chairman of the district council's charity, and may assist the chairman at receptions and functions.

"This is a great honour and it's very decent of the district council to come to Buntingford and do the presentation," he said.