Other councillors not acting 'for the betterment of our town' cited as Atherstone Town Councillor resigns

An Atherstone Town Councillor has resigned today (February 18) citing time commitments, 'misrepresentation' of issues and councillors not acting 'for the betterment of our town' as reasons for terminating his time in office.

Chairman of Atherstone Partnership Gary Chamberlain has today resigned from his position as a councillor for the Central Ward of Atherstone Town Council; this now leaves the ward with two of the six positions vacant.

Mr Chamberlain, who was co-opted as a councillor in June 2020, sent his letter of resignation to council clerks today.

Mr Chamberlain said when he took office that he hoped to use his position to "work tirelessly with residents and businesses to ensure our town not only recovers from the current effects of coronavirus but continues to thrive for future generations."

However, seven months on he has lamented the fact that his position within the town council did not allow him to do so.

In his letter to the council he said: "unfortunately, over this short time, I have noticed that not all appear to share this aim and, in my personal opinion, have set agendas that are not solely directed to the office they were elected or for the betterment of our town.

"I do now feel that my time allocated to the town council would better be served elsewhere and my seat on the council would be better suited to someone who, maybe, is more politically motivated.

"Added to this, as you will be aware, my frustration in not being able to speak or action issues that quite clearly are being misrepresented on the council plays a factor.

"By not being on the council, I will be more able to voice concerns and correct councillors on issues that they view from a distance and have no great knowledge of thus preventing unnecessary issues or public spends."

Alongside his work with the partnership, Mr Chamberlain also owns his own his own business 'The Printing Shed' and cited his concerns that work with the council would begin to have a negative impact his family life.

"The final reason, and probably the most important, family. I have many projects which I will be involved with over the coming 12 months, with The Partnership and my own business, and my time will be limited. It has always been a concern that family time will be impacted and to limit this the least necessary involvement will have to be reduced."

An election to fill the original vacant position in the Central Ward is to be called after the May 6 curfew on elections.

Atherstone Town Council has been approached for comment