ONE of Holsworthy’s Torridge District Councillors has handed in his resignation saying he feels his time would be “better spent locally”.

Cllr Jon Hutchings, was elected onto Torridge District Council in 2018. However, last week he submitted his letter of resignation.

He stated that he had become frustrated with several aspects and felt his area was being continuously overlooked by the council.

He said: “It is with regret that I am tendering my resignation of the Torridge District Council ward member for Holsworthy. It has been an honour to serve as a member representing my home town of Holsworthy.

“However, I now feel that my time would be much better spent locally with the town council rather than as a district councillor. Torridge, in my opinion has become an officer-led council which is not what I signed up for. Many decisions seem to be purely signed off by councillors rather than proposed and debated by its members.

“I also feel that Holsworthy is being left behind the rest of the district, and as one of only two councillors representing our town, any major projects for the town seems to fall on deaf ears. There are several projects in Holsworthy that should have come to fruition since my standing and election for council, but they all seem to have been put on the back burner and other towns are getting more support.

“Planning matters relating to our ward should be conveyed to ward members. This doesn’t happen which is not acceptable. The recent rural prosperity fund which showed no regard for Holsworthy was unfortunately the last straw.

“These frustrations have led to my resignation today. Maybe going forward the council could consider the employment land in Holsworthy which still lies undeveloped and has for many years.”

Torridge District Council have been approached for comment.