AN Ulverston town councillor has resigned claiming his colleagues are failing their constituents as they choose to "have a go at each other," rather than govern.

On Tuesday (June 20) Councillor John Clough tendered his immediate resignation from the council saying personal and professional problems meant he could no longer serve.

Cllr Clough said politically motivated infighting has meant it was becoming harder and harder for him to fulfil his duty to those who voted him to power.

He said: "When I was elected it was to help the electorate of Ulverston. All I see in the Ulverston Town Council in the past few months or years is a council that likes to have a go at each other, and not actually work for the benefit of the electorate."

Cllr Clough said that the increasing animosity between the Labour and Conservative groups on the council, and the increasing politicisation of debates has soured his relationship with the council.

He said: "There is too much politics coming in to it at town level. It doesn't matter who has the majority, we should work for the benefit of the town."

Both sides of the council paid tribute to Cllr Clough, for his dedication to both the council and his constituents.

Labour Cllr Mark Wilson said: "We will be sad to lose him, he's a good representative of his trade union and the people that elected him. Some times the politics is a frustration in the work that he wanted to do as councillor. He's a good lad, well meaning with a good heart."

Leader of the Conservative group on the council, Cllr James Airey, also said he was sad to lose a colleague and friend.

He said: "John has been a great town councillor to be honest. He works hard for the people he represents. I've great respect for him and the whole Conservative group will miss him."

Cllr Clough said he was sad to leave as he has greatly enjoyed representing the people of Ulverston. He will however continue as a district councillor, where he sits on the planning committee, saying he wants to ensure a local voice remains in Kendal.

He said: "I want our voice to be heard. That's the reason why I'm staying on the district council."

With Cllr Clough's resignation there is now a vacancy on the council for a Town Ward seat. If 10 electors request a by-election, one will be held within 60 days of the vacancy being announced.