THE Okehampton town councillor who walked out of a council meeting in frustration this month has carried out his threat to resign.
Bill Bourne left the meeting on August 5 after he failed to be given an apology by other council members. This followed a letter asking him to explain his absence from a West Devon Borough Council planning meeting.
Cllr Bourne, who still represents Okehampton on the borough council, was angered by the letter.
He said he was on holiday in Jamaica at the time of the meeting and had presented his apologies in advance.
Cllr Bourne told the Times he did not feel other town councillors accepted he had a valid excuse for not attending the planning meeting, which determined the application for the demolition of Okehampton Swimming Pool and the pavilion.
Town clerk John Winchester confirmed the council has received a letter from Cllr Bourne stating his resignation was for 'circumstances beyond his control'.
Mr Winchester said: 'I have reported his resignation to the elections officer and we will be putting an advert in the paper saying there is a vacancy.
'If ten members of the public demand a by-election there will be an election for his seat — providing more than one person stands. If not, a new councillor will be co-opted.'
Cllr Christine Marsh, mayor of Okehampton, said: 'I am very disappointed. I think things blew up out of all proportion and I'm sorry he took this attitude. When he was at meetings he was a very valuable councillor.'
Cllrs Jayne Hill and Joan Pauley, who both sit on the borough and town council, were also sent similar letters to that received by Cllr Bourne.