A FORMER parish councillor in Bourton who has stepped down after three years service has paid tribute to the rest of the council.

Helen Macklin, who runs the Lansdowne Villa in the village with her husband Martin, decided to step down from her role as she felt she could not give it as much time as it deserved.

The 63-year-old said she had really enjoyed her time as a councillor but wanted to let someone else take it on so she could concentrate on the business.

"I really enjoyed it and I've loved all the parish councillors, we get on very well," she said. "I've just got so busy here we're got too much work on.

"I don't think people realise how hard it is. It's all voluntary and there's such a lot to do all the time. If they want anything done in the parish, they must join like I did. It was great and recommend anybody to join it."

Mrs Macklin said she was looking forward to a bit of down time and her husband after putting their 14-bedroom B&B which they had run for 12 years on the market.

And the couple, who previously ran the Black Horse Inn, Naunton, and The Farmers Arms, in Guiting Power, have already had four people interested.

"We're in no rush to move but if the right person comes along," added Mrs Macklin. "We're ready for a bit of downtime."

Peter Brunt , of Colliers International who is handling the sale, said the B&B was a high quality venue in a "superb" location.

"With so many must-see attractions generating thousands of visitors the location supports a very long season," he said. "Cirencester, Stow, Burford, Broadwell and Chipping Camden are all within a comfortable drive.

"With the current owners planning to retire this is a rare chance for new operators to get their hands on what is literally a ‘cannot fail’ business.”