FORMER deputy headteacher Chris Pack has stepped down as a district councillor for Kidlington.

Mr Pack, 66, of Mead Way, decided to resign from Cherwell District Council after nine years representing villagers, so he could enjoy his retirement and indulge his passion for golf and bird-watching.

But the father-of-two vowed to continue to represent his constituents on Kidlington Parish Council.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed my time with Cherwell District Council and admire the many councillors who put so much energy and commitment into it.

“I’m no politician – my only concern is with contributing to the work of improving our communities.

“The council has an excellent team of officers and I have enjoyed working with some of them over matters relating to Kidlington.”

Mr Pack has spent much of his life in public service, most of it during his 34-year career as a geography teacher.

He held posts including head of humanities, head of sixth form and later deputy head at the village’s Gosford Hill School.

He was also a founding member of Kidlington Voice, which brought together members of the business community, schools, churches, police and the fire service to improve the village.

Fellow Liberal Democrat district councillor Nick Cotter paid tribute to his colleague. He said: “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind me saying he’s an old school councillor, and I’m sure other members and officers would agree he’s got a lot of experience and expertise.

“Certainly in my dealings with him as a colleague, he’s always been affable, easy-going and a cool head in a crisis.”

Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council, added: “He has been a long-standing and well-respected member of the district council. His expertise and wise words on the planning committee will be especially missed.”

Mr Pack was leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Cherwell from 2006-8 and has been chairman of the parish council and Kidlington Village Centre Management Board for the past four years. He represented Kidlington North.

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk