BRADFORD on Avon councillor Mike Roberts has resigned with immediate effect from the town council’s Conservative group.

Mr Roberts, who has been a Conservative councillor since September 2013, will now remain as an Independent councillor.

“After careful consideration, it is with regret, I have had to resign as a Conservative member of the Bradford on Avon Town Council,” said Mr Roberts.

“Although I remain a Conservative supporter and believe strongly in Michelle Donelan’s aims for the party and the council, I do not feel I can continue as a member of the Bradford on Avon constituency.”

The born and bred Bradfordian is still very committed to representing the town he loves and hopes its residents will continue to support him in the future and becoming elected again in 2017.

“From my years living in Bradford and my time spent on the council I feel I have a strong understanding of both the town and the residents’ issues, concerns and needs,” he said.

“I believe this enables me to be a strong representative and I will be able to work much better for Bradford on Avon town and its residents without the constraints of a political party and all that has come to entail.

“In the meantime I wish Michelle and her team all the best.”