A FORMER Knutsford Town Council member has cited ‘unbearable’ and ‘unfounded’ criticism as she stepped down from her role this week.

Yvonne Bancroft, who was elected in the February 2013 by-election and then re-elected in May 2015, resigned on Friday and has now penned an open letter to residents explaining her ‘difficult’ decision.

She wrote: “Over the past four years, I have loved working on behalf of the town, trying to ensure everyone’s voices were heard during council debates and their views expressed in working groups and committee meetings, keeping an open mind to all sides of issues raised.

“Unfortunately, it has become increasingly difficult in the past months for me to get on with things that matter to the town, and instead I have been dealing with, in my view, unfounded criticism and complaints that have now become unbearable.

“I am very disappointed that the behaviour of a few are putting an end to my time on the council and that I feel I’ve no option but to leave something that I care deeply about.

“I do feel I am letting down the people that voted for me and those councillors who do respect me and my work, and who understand that I only want what is best for our town.

“I hold many of our town councillors in very high regard, for their desire to do all they can for Knutsford and their professionalism.

“I wish the council well in its efforts to ensure Knutsford continues to be a wonderful place to live, work and visit for many years to come.”

Cllr Jan Nicholson, mayor of Knutsford, said: “It was with sadness that I received Yvonne’s resignation.

"I would like to thank Yvonne on behalf of the whole council for her dedicated contributions over the past four years and wish her all the best for the future.”

The vacancy notice has now been posted at knutsfordtowncoucil.gov.uk, giving electors the opportunity to request a by-election.