I AM writing to thank everyone for voting for me at the beginning of May and hope I will do as well in the role as County Councillor for Crediton as my dear late friend Frank Letch.

My apologies for not thanking everyone sooner but after breaking my collarbone my recovery has taken much longer than expected, which has been a major deciding factor in my decision to close my restaurant, Cairney’s Bistro.

The decision also enables me to spend more time looking after the community in my role as County Councillor, Mid Devon District Councillor and Crediton Town Councillor.

These are particularly uncertain times due to the devolution issue and I am sure this will be a major focus for some time.

I would like to thank the thousands of customers and friends who have enjoyed time at Cairney’s Bistro since I opened it in 2002.

I would like to welcome Andy and Tetiana Cuddy, from Tiverton Steakhouse Restaurant, who are renting the restaurant with a view to purchase.

I wish them all the very best.

I will miss all the people who came through the doors at the restaurant but as I say, I will have more time to devote to serving the community.

Look out for me, however, as I will still continue to provide some cookery demonstrations and talks.

It was a pleasure to stand in at the last minute to provide a cookery demonstration at the very successful Crediton Food and Drink Festival.

If anyone has any concerns they would like to raise with me, please email me at: [email protected]

Cllr Jim Cairney