POLITICIANS have heaped praise on two popular councillors who are stepping down ahead of this summer’s elections.

In separate announcements, Green councillor Melanie Eastwood and former Lib Dem leader Daisy Benson have both revealed they will not be standing for re-election on May 22.

Cllr Eastwood, who was elected to east Reading’s Park Ward in 2011, wants to spend more time with her young family.

Meanwhile Redlands representative Cllr Benson, who won her seat in 2006 and served as Lib Dem leader from 2011 to May, said it had been a “huge honour” to serve on the council.

Cllr Eastwood said: “I have worked to make Reading fairer, healthier and more affordable. We have stood up for school places and safeguarded land at Crescent Road for a secondary school, we have got road safety improvements for primary schools and I particularly enjoyed supporting residents in getting the Play Streets scheme up and running in Reading to build community spirit.

“I have met many wonderful East Reading people in my time as a councillor and have formed special friendships. However the demands of being a councillor are high. I am a single mum with a young daughter and a full-time career. I want the best for my residents and unfortunately I don’t think I am able to maintain my high work rate, particularly as I do not live or work in the ward any longer.”

Green leader Rob White said his party will be selecting a candidate to replace Cllr Eastwood in the coming weeks. Meanwhile the Lib Dems have announced that their press officer and former leader Kirsten Bayes will be standing in Redlands - two years after losing the seat to Labour.

Cllr Benson said: “It has been a huge honour representing Redlands on the council over the last eight years. It has been a pleasure getting to know the residents and I would like to thank them for the kindness and support they have shown me.

“I will continue to take a keen interest in local issues and help where I can but I am stepping down as I need to focus on my professional career which is taking up increasing amounts of my time.”