Thornbury's representation on South Gloucestershire Council will shortly be very different after two councillors announced they will be stepping down ahead of May's elections.

Councillors Clare Fardell and David Chubb, who both currently represent the Thornbury North ward, will not be seeking re-election.

Cllr Fardell, a Liberal Democrat who is also a Thornbury Town Councillor said it had been a 'great privilege' to represent the town.

She said: " I was elected to Northavon District Council in 1987 but now have regretfully decided to stand down from what is now South Gloucestershire Council.

"This is mainly to enable a younger person to take my place on South Gloucestershire Council.

"I shall be 84 in 2023 and I worry about having the stamina needed to serve for another four years.

"Now that all meetings are held in Kingswood, the 32 mile round-trip is an additional worry.

"It has been a great privilege to represent Thornbury for so long and to have been involved in so many worthwhile projects.

"These include my part in obtaining planning permission to restore the Town Hall, and I also worked hard to enable our first nursing home, Beech House, to be built.

"I was pleased to be very involved in the campaigns for much-needed pedestrian crossings on Gloucester Road, and later at Crossways School.

I hope, however, to remain on Thornbury Town Council, which has always been my first love.

"Thornbury is a truly remarkable place, and I enjoy working with the many different groups which help the town to flourish."

Conservative councillor David Chubb also revealed he would be stepping down, citing 'personal reasons'.

There will also be changes to the number of councillors representing Thornbury. Currently, two are elected to serve both Thornbury North and Thornbury South and Alveston.

In future three councillors will be elected to serve Thornbury. Alveston will now be part of the Severn Vale ward, which will elect two councillors rather than one.