Stratford and Alcester councillor has given 13 years of service to the public
BEING a councillor is one of the best jobs ever as there’s nothing else quite like it, but after 13 years’ service to the community, Cllr Mark Cargill is stepping down from some of his roles in local government.
Inspired by his parents, David and Marion Cargill, who were both involved at parish council and district council level, Cllr Cargill told the Herald of his immense pride in public service which has seen him play an integral part in shaping the future of south Warwickshire during his time with county council, district council and Alcester Town Council.
“It’s been a journey,” said Cllr Cargill (Cons) said. “I joined Alcester Town Council 13 years ago and became a Stratford District Councillor nine years ago where I’m currently chairman. I stepped down from my Warwickshire County Council responsibilities last year, so I’ve operated at all levels in local government.”
At district council he’s been chair of planning, deputy leader and will remain chair until 24th May, despite not standing in the local elections on 4th May. He plans to continue as an Alcester town councillor.
“I made my decision to step down midway through last year and following lengthy family discussions over time,” the Conservative councillor said. “I’ve put my heart and soul and been fully committed to this but one of the reasons I’m leaving is because homelife suffers. It is one of the best jobs – there’s nothing else like it. You don’t get paid – there are allowances – but you do it because you are a volunteer for your community and I’ve done all the things I wanted to do.”
Cllr Cargill spent 11 years serving with the Merchant Navy and was an electrical engineer and manager at Maudslay in Great Alne, an experience which was to help guide him through the meetings and the decision-making process so familiar to local government.
“I love pulling people together and once I’m committed – that’s it. Enthusiasm is the word. I want people to bring their own enthusiasm to the role – those are the people I want to work with,” he said. “One of my biggest achievements was stopping a proposed retirement complex smack in the middle of Alcester, in a conservation area. I was quite pleased to stop that.”
He's clearly proud of his service to Stratford District Council.
“It’s a great little council and there are good, solid people involved who are all part of the community. Stratford was the fourth hardest hit place in the country during and after Covid, but the district council has given £37m to local business and made no cuts to strategic services. We are in a position to make further financial savings of about £2m. I am proud of these things.”
Cllr Cargill said he would recommend local government to others and has spoken about how it works at all three of Alcester’s senior schools.
But the works continued with Alcester Town Council.
“I want to be able to improve Alcester’s flood defences and a multi-partnership approach is planned with the Environment Agency, the county council, Alcester Town Council and Stratford District Council,” he explained. “I’d like to have an extra care facility in Alcester. I’m chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Partnership in Alcester and we are looking to re-launch this soon.
“I want to find a permanent home for the town’s repair café. We are looking at creating a wildlife corridor between Studley and Broom which will bring biodiversity to the area. I will continue to support the dementia café and fundraise for the RNLI.
“Early next year we’d like to engage musicians to entertain various groups working with dementia and other mental health issues which will benefit the whole community.”
Tomorrow (Friday) Cllr Cargill celebrates his 71st birthday. On 24th May he hands over to a new chair of the district council at the annual meeting. He’s then looking forward to a break, getting his old MGB back on the road and pursuing his passions of gardening and cooking which he enjoys with his wife who is the Mayor of Alcester, Cllr Kathryn Cargill.
So, is he going to miss local government?
“I will miss it. I will miss making a difference at district level. I loved cabinet and I’m proud to have served and guided the future for our children – that will be our legacy for them.”
