WINSFORD’S ‘shining beacon’ and town clerk Alan Warburton has thanked the community as he readies himself for retirement.


Alan, 63, who has been the clerk to Winsford Town Council for the past nine years during a key period for the town in which the Winsford Neighbourhood Plan was formed, will retire this week. 


Alan spoke to the Guardian about his time as the town clerk and assured residents that the town has an ‘exciting future.’


He said: “It’s just been a time of great change and it has been a pleasure to work with the town councillors and council partners to do our best to improve the town. 


“I think we are well on the way and Winsford has got a very exciting future. 


“Having developed the Neighbourhood Plan, which is a 20-year vision of how the people would like Winsford looking and feeling, is huge for the town. The marina is an example to show that it is already happening. 


“There are plans to improve the town centre and that is what people are most concerned about but there is some real ambition.”


Alan also joked that having a ‘foot in both camps’ in Winsford has helped in his role as town clerk. 


“There’s always been a rivalry between Over and Wharton in Winsford,” he said.

“I was born in Over and lived in Wharton so I’ve always had a foot in both camps which has helped a lot.”


The retiring clerk has been popular among town councillors and Cllr Mike Kennedy has described him as ‘an inspiration for the town.’


Cllr Kennedy said: “I would just like to say a huge thank you on behalf of the town of Winsford to Alan Warburton and say what a shining beacon he has been and an inspiration for our town.


“I’d also like to give many personal thanks for his support when I was the town mayor of Winsford. I know he will be sorely missed by all of my fellow councillors and staff at Winsford Town Council.” 


Alan will be replaced by Mark Bailey and had some words of advice for his successor. 


He added: “I’d just say to Mark to carry on with the good work really, it’s got huge potential this town and I’m saying that because I mean it. 


“I can honestly say that of all the councillors I have worked with, irrespective of arty colours, they have always been respectful and had the town’s best interests at heart, it’s been a pleasure to work with them.”

Mark, who comes from Biddulph, said he is looking forward to taking over the role and said the council’s focus needs to be on the Neighbourhood Plan. 


Mark said: “Alan will be a very tough act to follow but I’m really grateful for this fabulous opportunity and I think Winsford has got loads to offer and I’m really excited.


“I think the Neighbourhood Plan has got to be the real focus for us and the target is to deliver as much as we can. I think if we can do that, it will really propel Winsford forward a great deal.”