A STALWART representative of Halstead has been recognised for her 30 years of service.

Jackie Pell, elected to Braintree Council in 1987, was awarded a citation of service at Monday night’s full council meeting.

Grandmother Jackie, 70, has won seven elections and currently serves the Trinity ward for the non-political Halstead Residents’ Association.

It all began in the 1980s when Mrs Pell, of Highfields, hosted a straightforward street party and was urged to run because of her ties to the community.

She said: “The only reason I am here is because of the people. They have continued to vote me in, and I have tried to continue to support them. It means a lot to represent Halstead at a district level because I am from Halstead, a lot of the people that I help are people I have known for a long time and even grown up with.

I really am honoured and proud that I have been allowed to be in this position.”

Holding a host of senior positions over the years, Jackie is honoured to have been Braintree chairman from 2004 till 2005, following on from holding the vice-chairman role the previous year.

Mrs Pell has also acted as Halstead area chairman, vice-chairman of housing and licensing chairman among a host of other roles.

She added: “I am proud of everything I have achieved, no matter how big or small. Every time I achieve something, it is for someone, and it is to help them, and I am proud to have helped people. One of my biggest achievements has to be getting Halstead’s swimming pool in 2004. That took years of campaigning, and in the end the officer said I had worn him down so much he had no other choice.

“I have been to two Royal Garden Parties, I met Prince Edward when I was president, but the proudest moments are when I have achieved things for other people.”

Jackie believes none of this would have been possible without the support of her family and the respect of her colleagues. Grandmother to three boys, married for 51 years to Bill, and mother to Denise and Jeanette, family provides the backbone for Mrs Pell’s drive to achieve her best.

She said: “I have to say a massive thank you to my family, as well as the other councillors and officers, as without them this wouldn’t have been possible. My family have always supported me, particularly around election time, but throughout the time they have made sacrifices.

My colleagues have been very important as well, even though we can be on opposing sides at times, there is always a level of respect and I can always count them as friends, not just colleagues.”

With two years until the next elections, Mrs Pell is confident of running again, although she joked if Halstead finally gets its bpyass, she may well take a well-deserved break.