MIDDLEWICH’S first ever Ukip town councillor has been removed from his post, after missing a series of meetings because he was savaged by a dog.

Former Cllr Alan Brookes was elected unopposed to the Cledford ward in May last year, but has failed to attend any meetings for the past six months.

His removal was confirmed at the May 10 town council meeting as part of town council policy.

Mr Brookes explained: “I got savaged in December by a dog. I am not sure whether they knew but nobody has made any sort of contact with me.

“[Being removed as councillor] suits me at the moment because I am not in a position to do what I am willing to do with my disability, like get out in the community.”

Middlewich Town Council confirmed they had received apologies for absence due to illness in January and February, but with no specific reasons given.

Mr Brookes was known to actively oppose the Ansa waste transfer station on Cledford Lane as well as proposed traveller sites, while also supporting the bypass construction.

He became a councillor at the 2015 local elections as one of six candidates who ran unopposed for the six Cledford seats.

Middlewich Town Council clerk Jonathan Williams said: “As Alan Brookes has not attended a council meeting, committee meeting, subcommittee meeting or a meeting of any body to which he has been appointed by Middlewich Town Council for a 6 month period he has ceased to be a member of Middlewich Town Council.

“Cheshire East Council elections are sending the standard notice which we will complete to advertise that there is a vacancy “The completed notice will be sent to Cheshire East Council and advertised by the Town Council in accordance with the timescales laid down.

“Once the advertised period is over the Town Council will then be advised by Cheshire East Council what steps are needed to fill the vacancy.”