THE alleged mistreatment of a clerk has been cited as one of the reasons for a councillor's resignation.

Last month, Trimdon Foundry Parish Council almost halved in size when the chairman, two councillors and the clerk resigned within weeks.

Parish clerk, Kay Tweddle, and independent councillors, Joe France and Laraine Grigg, stood down at a public meeting on Tuesday, August 12.

They declined to comment when contacted by The Northern Echo shortly afterwards but minutes from the meeting have revealed further details to those unable to attend.

The minutes, approved by the remaining four Labour councillors last night (Tuesday, September 9), state: “Councillor Grigg said she was unhappy with the recent behaviour of certain parish councillors and, in her opinion, their treatment and disrespect of the clerk, Kay Tweddle.

“She felt the council was becoming far too political and as an independent councillor was not why she was elected.”

Mr Grigg tendered his resignation as chairman and councillor on Wednesday, August 27.

He issued a statement assuring residents that he and the other ex-councillors would continue to help the community.

At last night’s (Tuesday, September 9) meeting, Councillor Margaret Eadsforth was elected as chairwoman.

She said it was important the council and residents work together to make the parish a better place to live.

John Irvine, clerk of Fishburn Parish Council, will continue to serve as acting clerk until the position is filled.

The councillor vacancies have been advertised.