A WELL-respected town councillor has resigned, citing a “loss of faith in the governance” of Barnard Castle Town Council.
Roger Peat, who joined the council a decade ago, has been a key organiser in the Christmas lights and bonfire displays. He helped to create a haymeadow on The Demesnes and was often seen with a trowel and watering can as he tended to the floral displays. He has been a chief organiser of the annual litter pick and formed a volunteer group, dubbed “the workers” , which carried out odd-jobs around the town. In a letter to the town council, Mr Peat said: “After giving it a great deal of thought I have decided to resign from Barnard Castle Town Council due to a loss of faith in the governance of the organisation.”
Mr Peat said it would not be appropriate to comment any further but added he would still be involved with the Christmas lights, the Friends of the Upper Demesnes and bonfire night as a volunteer.
His resignation was announced to councillors last Monday night when the then mayor, Cllr Sandra Moorhouse, revealed news of the letter. Mayor Cllr John Blissett said: “I did not expect that.”
Town clerk Michael King replied: “No.”
No further comment was made at the meeting, other than to say Durham County Council had been informed and there was now a vacancy to fill. However, Cllr Blissett has since joined others in paying tribute to Mr Peat’s service and an official thank-you letter is being sent. Cllr Blissett said: “He has been a great servant to the town. The things he has done have been absolutely brilliant. He will be a big loss to the council.”
Cllr Moorhouse said members were “shocked” by the resignation. She added: “Roger was a valued member of the council and will be a great loss to it. I do hope that he will continue to support the town in its endeavours in his own inimitable style. On behalf of the council and personally we’d like to thank him and wish him every good wish for the future.”
Former town councillor Tom Deacon said: “It’s bad news for Barnard Castle because Roger has done more than anyone else on the council for the town. He has gone above and beyond at great cost to himself, both financially and time-wise. He never did anything for personal gain. He would have made a great mayor because he would have been such a great ambassador for Barnard Castle. It’s sad but for whatever reason he resigned for, I’ll support him.”
