A former Biddulph town councillor said his two years in the role were "an honour and a privilege" following his decision to resign from the authority.

Biddulph Nub News reported yesterday how a by-election could be held in the town after Paul Barlow, who represented the Biddulph South ward on Biddulph Town Council, resigned.

Speaking to Nub News, Mr Barlow said he had hoped to continue as a councillor, but felt he could no longer continue due to changes in his family and private life.

He said: "There isn't really a great deal to say because a lot of it is personal, but it has been an honour and a privilege to be able to represent the residents of the Biddulph South ward over the last two years.

"When I was elected I believed it was going to be for four years and hopefully beyond, but due to a recent change of circumstance within my family and private life, I have realised I am no longer able to continue within this position.

"I am very sorry for any upset or inconvenience this may have caused to anyone, but I know that Sarah Haydon and the other tremendous staff and councillors that Biddulph has are strong, and will come through this difficult time in the pandemic."

He added that he will still be an active community member in the town despite no longer being a councillor, saying: "It really has been a privilege, and I will still be involved in the town even though I'm not a councillor.

"I have been involved in things such as food banks, and I will keep doing that. I was looking forward to continuing on as a councillor but unfortunately I'm not able to do that anymore."

The resignation leaves a vacancy at the town council that could be filled with a by-election if enough interest is present from local residents.

If sufficient interest is not present then the vacancy will be filled by co-option, meaning the other councillors will choose between them who is elected as the new councillor.

In order for a by-election to be held, ten residents who are eligible to vote in the Biddulph South ward must write to the district council offices within the next two weeks to ask for one.

If you would like to request a by-election to fill the role, write to:

Andrew Stokes

Moorlands House

Leek

ST13 6HQ