THE former mayor of Dursley, who held the role for 10 years, has spoken about her highlights of the decade.

Jane Ball, who was mayor of Dursley from 2005 to 2015, stepped down earlier this month leaving her deputy Clare Nelmes to take up the job.

Following the exchange, Jane spoke to the Gazette about her personal highlights, future plans, and what sets Dursley apart from the average town.

Born in Cheltenham and raised in Gloucester, Jane moved to Dursley 43 years ago after marrying her husband Arthur.

Always engaged with community activity, Jane said that joining the town council was a natural step.

“I’ve always been interested in what goes on, even when I was very young,” she said.

“I had also been on Cam Parish Council for four years previously. Plus, being manager of the community centre made me think I’d fit right in on Dursley’s Town Council.”

Jane joined the council in 1999 and after several years served as the deputy mayor under Tim Franco. Then, despite never considering herself for the role, she took Mr Franco’s place.

“It was something I never really thought about. I didn’t think I could do it but it was Tim that persuaded me I could,” she said.

“It was really busy from the very start. Early on I cut the ribbon for three supermarkets, a bank and a library.”

When asked by the Gazette about her highlights as mayor Jane struggled to stick to just one.

She said: “Visiting Dursley’s twin town, Bovenden, in Germany was very good.

“Also that we have the Vale Community Hospital now, which is an absolutely brilliant hospital. I founded the league of friends and will go on acting as their chairman.”

Speaking about what sets Dursley apart, Jane said: “People who move here seem to settle in very quickly – and people who haven’t lived here very long soon find themselves involved with the community.

“I hear a lot of good things from people who have just moved into the town.”

Reflecting on the past ten years and considering all the people of Dursley, Jane said: “I have been very proud to be able to take the role of mayor in Dursley.

“I hope I have represented the people here well. And helped move the town on.

“The town traders seem to be getting themselves together and doing very well, and there’s a lot more building work and more people set to come into the town.

“I hope we can keep the community spirit.”

Though stepping down as mayor Jane will continue as a councillor. She will also continue as the manager of Dursley Community Centre, the chairwoman of the Vale Community Hospital League of Friends and the Dursley branch of the Royal British Legion, treasurer of the youth centre, and other roles.