THE deputy Mayor of Ellesmere has resigned with immediate effect.

Judith Williams announced the shock resignation at the council’s monthly meeting on Monday.

Mrs Williams said: “I have served the council for six years and from the beginning have found it friendly, supportive and collegiate.

“In the past year or so however the council has become schismatic and toxic. Therefore I am tendering my resignation with immediate effect.”

Following the resignation Mrs Williams added: “I have loved working for and with Ellesmere Town Council for several years.

“My aim was always to promote the town in any way I could and to ensure the mechanics of the council ran smoothly.

“However, since about May last year, it has been like watching a well fed by spring water being slowly poisoned by a polluted brook."

In response to the resignation, Mayor of Ellesmere, Ryan Hartley said: “As a council we are sorry that Judith Williams has resigned and would like to offer our thanks for her time on Ellesmere Town Council and wish her well in the future.

“She is entitled to her opinion of the council being ‘schismatic and toxic’ but this is not a view recognised by the present councillors, we pride ourselves on being inclusive and conducting business in a professional manner.”