A BARNARD Castle town councillor has quit to go back to work for the firm he used to run – at the age of 74.
Tim Raw has taken up a part time job with fencing firm Livewire.
As a result, he said he was unable to devote the time required to his duties on the town council.
Mr Raw was co-opted onto the town council in August last year and his resignation leaves a seat vacant in the east ward.
He said: “When I retired a few years ago, I did not find it very easy.
“I sold Livewire and the chap who took over has expanded the business and done really well.
“I have always been in touch and he offered me a part time job selling automatic gates and I did not think twice.
“I have been doing that for the last month or so. I enjoy it”
Mr Raw said things came to a head earlier this month.
“We had a meeting about Making Barney Brighter Together and we all agreed to do different bits.
“Because I had been busy with the job, I had to make a decision. It was a simple choice between the council and work. I chose work.”
Mr Raw said he had enjoyed his time working alongside other members of the council, although he found some of the procedures frustrating.
“That’s the way it is – how the system works,” he said.
At last week’s special meeting of the town council, mayor Cllr Sandra Moorhouse said she was sorry to see Mr Raw step down.
“He did an excellent job on the council. He will be missed,” she said.
The town council has now advertised the vacancy created by Mr Raw’s departure.
If ten or more electors from the east ward request an election by March 11, a poll will be organised for no later than May 16.
If no election is called, the town council will seek to co-opt a new member onto the group.
Full details are available online at www.barnardcastletowncouncil.gov.uk.
