Cllr Stringer was first elected to Alfreton UDC in 1953. Alan has been a continuous member of Somercotes PC since it began in 1974, and was a Cllr at Swanwick PC for 4 years. Elected to AVBC 1974-76; 1979-81, and from 1984 served continuously until 2006. During this period he served a Mayor 1991-92 with his wife Jessie, as Mayoress. Alan was Chairman of the Recreation & Amenities Committee for 2 years and was Chairman of Planning Committee for 5 years. He was admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 2003.

Alan was born at Swanwick Road, Leabrooks on 25th October 1928. He moved to Sleetmoor Lane, Somercotes in 1934. He and his wife Jessie had a son & daughter. Alan worked at Riddings Ironworks from 1942 untl 1946 and served in the Midland Brigade from 1946-49. He has been a life-long trade unionist and was shop steward at Diversey, Riddings. Alan also worked at Explosives & Chemicals, Alfreton and Butterley Engineering, Ripley.

Cllr Paul Smith (Chairman Somercotes Parish Council) said, “Alan has a long and distinguished career in local politics and within the trade union and we are sorry that he has had to retire. The council would like to thank Alan for his services to the community and wish him well in retirement”