FOUR years ago Elsie Martlew was persuaded to return to local politics after a break of almost two decades.

Standing in Carlisle’s Castle ward, where she also lives, she was elected on to Carlisle City Council and became deputy leader.

Now, after what she describes as a fulfilling term on the council executive – with highlights including the opening of a new arts centre and sealing a deal to bring Primark to the city – she has decided to retire as a councillor at the upcoming elections in May.

Speaking exclusively to The Cumberland News , she said it was a hard decision but felt like the right one.

“I never thought I’d go back into local government but four years ago I was asked, and agreed,” said Elsie, who admits initially she wasn’t 100 per cent sure whether she should do it.

“But I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve found it really fulfilling and it’s exceeded all my expectations. But I feel it’s the right time to retire.”

Elsie, now 65, added: “If it had been another one or two years I would probably have stayed but four years is a long time. I would be 69. I think anyone standing has to give it their 100 per cent commitment and I’ve always tried to do that.

“Now I would like the opportunity to do other things.”

A keen photographer, she is looking forward to having more time to develop her skills and explore other opportunities.

But she will continue to be involved in the local Labour party.

Married to former Carlisle MP Eric Martlew for 45 years, the pair have never strayed far from politics.

They both joined the Labour Party in 1970, the day after watching it defeated in the general election.

Passionately keen to see change, a couple of years later they both stood for election. Elsie was voted on to the city council and Eric the county council, both representing Denton Holme.

During her 19 years on the city council, Elsie stood up for what she believed in and wasn’t afraid to vote against her own party.

On one occasion she controversially blocked plans for a new shopping mall, which ultimately led to the creation of The Lanes, a development she still feels fits in far better with the city’s character than the original proposal.

She was also involved in the creation of The Sands Centre and the refurbishment of Tullie House.

Eric went on to become MP, representing Carlisle from 1987 until 2010.

Elsie decided to stand down and instead work for him, hanging up her political hat for good – or so she thought.

Since then she has been asked on more than one occasion to stand as an MP, but said she has never had Parliamentary ambitions.

“I’ve always been happy working locally. I prefer to be hands-on, which I think you get with the city council,” she said.

So when she finally did decide to return to politics in 2012, Elsie, who was given the portfolio for environment and transport, said she was determined to make her four years count.

“At the time I was elected we’d had 13 years in opposition and 13 years of frustration. We came in determined to hit the ground running with a set of priorities,” said Elsie.

“We wanted to clean up Carlisle, provide an arts centre, to manage the city well and attract new business. We’ve worked as a team and in four years I think the council has done wonders.

“I’m an impatient person. I like pushing at things so they get done.”

There have been times when they have come under fire, for example controversial plans to close underused play parks. But Elsie said their plan was always to upgrade those that were well-used and that is now starting to happen across the city.

The Primark deal has also had its critics, but again she stands by their decisions.

“What it will do is help prime the retail economy of Carlisle. It will be a catalyst for other developments,” she said. “If you do not keep moving you slip back.”

The past four years have also had their downs, not least the death of then council leader Joe Hendry and the recent floods, which saw Elsie and Eric themselves flooded out of their home.

But she said overall it has been a good four years.

“I’ve got so much satisfaction out of it. I’m not exactly sure what I’ll do but I’m looking forward to the future,” added Elsie.