Parish councillors resign

Two councillors have resigned from Saddleworth parish council.

Liberal Democrat Alan Belmore wrote: “I have recently been given the opportunity to take up a work placement in Argentina for two years which I have accepted.

"This is a big life change for me, but one I am very much looking forward to.

"Serving the residents of Greenfield for the past five-and-a-half years has been a great honour.

"Whilst work and personal commitments have meant that I never got the opportunity to do the amount of work I would like, and meant I chose to relinquish my role as leader of the Liberal Democrats after the last election, one of the great pleasures I have got is from the achievements I have been able to deliver over the last five years.

"They include securing the future of the Post Office in Uppermill, committing Saddleworth Parish Council to dealing with the climate emergency and successfully standing up against a number of inappropriate developments in Greenfield. 

“In particular, I would like to put on record my thanks to Councillors Beeley and Al-Hamdani, both of whom have been a great support to me throughout my time as a councillor, as well as support I have received from current and former borough councillors Richard Knowles, Howard Sykes, Garth Harkness and John McCann.

"In addition, I'd like to remember the profound support I was given by Cllr Heffernan in my first few years on the council, and that both the borough and parish councils continue to miss his presence.”

Conservative councillor Neil Allsopp (below) wrote: “Throughout my adult life I have always believed that Saddleworth matters should only be decided by Saddleworth people.

"Therefore, when I moved to Holmfirth I intended to resign from Saddleworth Parish Council.

"However, as the Covid-19 pandemic regulations prevented any elections from taking place I decided to temporarily suspend my plans.

"Also, several of my fellow councillors requested that I continue to serve the council and the Saddleworth community through the difficult times that lay ahead.

"At least until more “normal” times returned.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve Saddleworth as a councillor.

"My grateful thanks to the people of the Greenfield and Lydgate ward for choosing me as their representative, not just once but at three consecutive elections.

"My time as chairman was, without doubt, one of the best times of my life.

"No-one ever wore that chain with more pride and the kindness of the Saddleworth people was so very touching."

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