A residents association chairman who tried to step down once before is finally being let go after a year-long campaign to find a replacement.

Tarsem Flora joined Purley and Woodcote Residents Association (PWRA) in 1974 and did not expect to spend the last 17 years in the top job.

About five years ago he hoped to step down but agreed to stay on as no-one wanted to take on the role.

This time the architect told the committee it was definitely time to go as he is now 77.

He stepped down from the post at an association meeting last night.

Looking back at his years at the top the grandfather-of-two said: "The experience has been quite a challenge.

"There have been so many challenges from planning issues and social issues.

"We have been dealing with all sorts of issues like community safety and flooding.

"The biggest problem that we face is now the flooding, that has cost a lot of problems.

"We need some positive action like creating lakes but it’s an expensive thing [to do]."

Unlike the town’s recently elected MP Chris Philp, he said he is not opposed to the plan for a 16-storey tower on the Purley Baptist Church island, as long as it is a great building.

Mr Flora, who heads the West Croydon based architect firm Flora and Associates, added: "If you imagine church spires in England, they dominate the landscape and are a landmark.

"This particular site is a landmark site so we need something really original in there.

"I have made some suggestions on a sketch and I offered to meet with their architects."

Mr Flora is being succeeded by the editor of PWRA publications, Phil Reed.

Mr Reed said: "The PWRA owes a huge debt to Tarsem Flora for his drive and vision over the last 41 years.

"The association is grateful that Tarsem will continue to advise on planning issues, an area where his expertise is invaluable."