Councillor Alun Pughe has given up his seat on Midsomer Norton Town Council.

In a statement made on Tuesday, April 9, Alun said: “It has been a genuine honour to meet and welcome new business into the town and help make decisions that I sincerely hope will benefit our area over the past year.

“However, there is no denying that the role takes a lot of time and energy. Being a father with young children as well as being self-employed, I found that being away for long periods soon revealed an incompatibility, and ultimately I realised I couldn't give the time that the town needed from me to fight for local issues I had strong feelings about, such as stopping the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone and introduction of car park charges.

“I cannot thank the amazing council staff enough for their awesome work and wish the Councillors all the best in the future. I will however continue to volunteer for the Community Trust, so I hope to still help the town thrive.”

Cllr Pughe’s resignation means that there is now a vacancy on the Town Council for Redfield ward.

For more information regarding the vacancy, visit: www.midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk/town-councillor-vacancy/