BACKWELL residents have sprung to the defence of their district councillor after the parish council called on her to step down for taking a months-long leave of absence for her mental health.

Bridget Petty (Green) has represented the village on North Somerset Council since 2019 and is a vocal member of the council. But after losing both of her parents just months apart in 2023, she now plans to take a five-month leave of absence to spend time with her family travelling in Europe.

A leave of absence of up to six months is permitted under North Somerset’s constitution — but Backwell Parish Council issued a statement on Facebook saying it would be “in the best interests of the village” for Ms Petty to step down instead.

Now locals have rallied to her defence with 47 locals signing a letter of support.

The letter, drafted by Backwell man Rick Evans, said: “Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and the undersigned members of our community are appalled by the pressure exerted and the manner in which BPC published their response.

“With the level of support Bridget has provided over the term of her tenure, she deserves appropriate recognition and support rather than an approach which serves to compound her issues.”

It added: “In this difficult time, let us stand by our councillor, showing her that her well-being matters to us, and that we appreciate her contributions to our community. Only through compassion and support can we truly thrive as a community.”

Ms Petty said: “It hasn’t been an easy decision but I do believe that I do need to look after my mental health and I want to be able to return and do a good job for my community. And that’s what matters.

“It has been reassuring to see really great support for the most part from local residents in the street and in this letter.”

The parish council’s statement had said: “We respect councillor Petty’s decision to prioritise her wellbeing and family and wish them all the best during their time away. As parish councillors, we need to focus on what is best for the village.”

It added: “This would allow for a by-election, ensuring that Backwell continues to have dedicated representation at the council table. Such a decision would not only provide continuity for the village but also allow councillor Petty the flexibility to take an extended break, should she so wish, until the next elections.”

Ms Petty said that neighbouring Green councillors Annemieke Waite (Winford) and Thomas Daw (Wrington) had agreed to be available for Backwell locals to come to with local issues. She plans to be on sabbatical from mid-March to mid-August and does not expect to miss key votes such as on North Somerset’s local plan.