A south of Butser councillor who has represented villagers at three different levels is preparing for her last council meeting after four decades of service.

Cllr Marge Harvey is into her last month of representing Catherington on Hampshire County Council as she’s not standing for re-election on May 7.

The Conservative has served the Southern Parishes for 31 years as concerns about flooding prompted her to join Rowlands Castle Parish Council in 1995.

A spell at East Hampshire District Council followed before she became the member for Catherington in 2013, but half a working lifetime in politics and the controversial shake-up of local government have weighed heavily.

“After 31 years I think that’s enough for me,” said Cllr Harvey, whose division includes Horndean, Blendworth and Rowlands Castle.

“But I also don’t particularly like what’s coming from the government as I think it’s wrong. I think it’s awful they’ve taken the Southern Parishes away from East Hampshire and added it to an urban sprawl.

“I’ve made my objections to the leader of HCC and they’ve said they will try and do what they can, but clearly the government has decided where they want housing to go and this is part of it.”

Marge has a lot to be proud of from her time in public office, with achievements at HCC including five consecutive terms and a spell on the council’s Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee.

“I think what I’ve enjoyed most and made me proudest is just trying to look after residents,” she added.

“I guess it’s always been in me because I used to be a nurse and they look after people. I’ve always done that.

“The most important thing for me has always looking out for the people of Rowlands Castle and Horndean.”

Another outgoing Petersfield-area councillor who isn’t happy with the proposed break-up of East Hampshire is Russell Oppenheimer. The member for Petersfield Hangers isn’t standing for re-election, with Nick Drew attempting to retain his place for the Conservatives.

“I am disappointed with the government’s decision,” said Cllr Oppenheimer, who has called the proposed Mid-Hampshire unitary “too big and diffuse”.

“I think the benefits of Local Government Reorganisation will be lower because we will have less opportunities for economies of scale.

“And in my view the break-up of East Hampshire is not in the interests of the residents of Horndean, Clanfield and Rowlands Castle, or indeed the rest of the district.”

He added: “I do accept the government has a right to make this illogical decision and in Hampshire we will have to do our best to make it work.”

Cllr Oppenheimer said he has many wonderful memories from his time at HCC, saying it’s been a “great honour” to represent Petersfield Hangers.

He said: “I am proud of many of our achievements.

“I will also be sending my best wishes to my successor. I sincerely hope that it will be someone with strong knowledge of the area and substantial experience in business and local government.”