Bradley Stoke councillor David Skeet has stepped down from his Meadowbank seat, Bradley Stoke Town Council has announced.

Cllr Skeet, who had come under some criticism at council meetings for his poor attendance, has been suffering from illness.

He said in his resignation letter he had been “ill for some months” which “I have been criticised by members of the public”.

“I feel it is the best thing for the council that I step down and make way for a person who will be a more positive and active person for the ward,” he added.

Mayor Mark Forsyth thanked Cllr Skeet for his service and wished him well for the future.

“At the end of the day Town Councillors are all volunteers and sometimes life is for living,” said Cllr Forsyth.

The vacancy on the town council will now be advertised and if more than 10 residents of the ward request a by-election it will be held within 14 working days.

Footnote: Apologies for the lack of live coverage of the full council meeting – unfortunately family illness means we cannot attend.