THE director of a leading environmental campaign group has announced he is to step down from his role next year.

THE director of a leading environmental campaign group has announced he is to step down from his role next year.

Richard Ward has been director of Suffolk Preservation Society (SPS) since 2003. Over the coming months, he will be working with the society to help appoint a successor.

Mr Ward, who joined SPS after 30 years in planning, half of which was spent as a conservation and design specialist, said his decision was made with sadness.

But he added that he would look back on his years with the society - and its achievements during that time - with great pride.

He said: “It is with great regret that I announce my decision to leave Suffolk Preservation Society, but I feel that the society is in a strong position and it is the right time to move on to new challenges.

“SPS has achieved a great deal over the past six years, not least cementing its position as a voice of the community on planning and environmental issues. We have also driven forward some hugely exciting projects, such as the exemplar affordable housing scheme at Elmswell, and have carried out a major internal restructure to ensure the society is working in the best way possible for the people of Suffolk.

“My personal highlights include work carried out by the Suffolk Building Preservation Trust to protect and enhance Pakenham Watermill and Lavenham's Little Hall, which are some of our most treasured buildings.

“I am also extremely proud of the workshops and conferences we have held to help ensure the county's planners are up to speed on the latest developments and can properly manage the future development of our county.”