TWO former mayors were thanked for their contribution to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council last week.

As previously reported by The Gazette, Paula Baker, a former borough councillor for Overton, Laverstoke and Steventon, stood down at the May local elections after 28 years in the role.

She served as the borough’s mayor in 2005/06 and the leader of the council between 1995 and 1998.

Another longstanding councillor to leave on May 7 following 21 years as a councillor for the Chineham ward was Martin Biermann, who was the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane in 2012/13.

And both of them were thanked for their efforts at a full council meeting at the council offices, in London Road, last Thursday.

The current Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Anne Court, presented the pair with a commemorative certificate and clock at the meeting.

She said: “Our councillors perform a vital role for the borough, representing the interests of the residents in their wards as well as the interests of the area as a whole.

“As former mayors, both of them have also had the honour of serving as first citizen of the borough, sharing in so many celebrations and meeting people from across our communities.

“Over almost 50 years, Paula Baker and Martin Biermann have shown dedication to making this borough a better place to live and work and they fully deserve to be recognised for their commitment to public service.”