Mr Green will announce his decision at the council meeting on Monday evening (May 12th). Businessman David Oliver, who has just stood down after two years as mayor, takes over as leader.

Long-serving councillor Les Sims continues as deputy leader.
It is nine years since former newspaper editor Mr Green was first elected to the Town Council and he took over as leader in May 2002.

"I have loved being involved in the day-to-day organisation and development of the council and deciding not to seek re-election was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make," said Mr Green, who feels the time is right for a younger person to take the helm.

Mr Green believes Wisbech has much to offer and hopes the prospects for the town and residents will be improved with all the current projects - such as the port redevelopment, Cromwell Retail Park and a cold store warehouse facility in Boleness Road.

He also believes the town's successful future development and improvement lies with the proposed new town plan but he has fired a warning shot.

"The only thing that gives me cause for concern is whether or not enough thought, pre-planning and financial resources are being put aside in preparation for the dramatic increase in the town's population, for I seriously doubt whether the present infrastructure can cope.

"According to my calculations, in the region of 1,000 new homes will be built in the near future at the port development, two college sites, Fenland Park, the Cromwell Road doctors' surgery project and Elm road sites.

"This could mean many newcomers to the town, 1,000-plus cars on our already congested roads, and many families seeking places at doctor's and dentist's surgeries and local schools."

Mr Green has also called for the town's Corn Exchange to be brought back to life, saying the town needs a civic function hall.

"I would love to see the Corn Exchange brought back into use as I have many treasured memories of dancing and skating there in my younger days," he said.