A Burnham and Highbridge town councillor has announced this week that she will be stepping down from her role at the election in May.
Cllr Helen Groves has taken the decision not to seek re-election after four years in the position.
“I care as passionately about our community today as I did four years ago but feel that I am at this time no longer able to best serve you as your local representative,” she told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“There are numerous reasons for this but primarily it is due to two factors. This last year on a personal level has been one of the most difficult of my adult life. There are significant health issues affecting a family member which has made it increasingly difficult for me to set aside the time you need from me to address complex case work and attend council meetings. I do not feel it would be fair to you to continue on without knowing I could give the role the time and commitment it deserves.”
She added: “Secondly, but equally, I have always done my best to represent your views at council. More often than not this has put me at odds with the majority of council members and frankly this has not been appreciated by many of them.”
“This has led to unfortunately quite difficult relationships with some which have become increasingly unpleasant. Whilst I have considered myself to be equal to the challenge that this presents, I also must acknowledge that it is emotionally draining and this impacts the levels of energy I can direct into the things I feel involvement in local authority should be about.”
“I do not feel that I can honestly say I could approach another term with the same levels of energy and enthusiasm as I did four years ago and whilst I would always do my best, I feel you deserve more than I can offer to you. I do not want to be a politician who is comfortable with nothing every changing. I know that at this time I need to take a step back and reconnect with the community based activity that perversely involvement in local authority has become a barrier to.”
She added: “I am absolutely confident that our candidates for Highbridge will deliver to you the energy and passion you deserve and I hope you will be able to offer to them the warmth and support you have extended to me.”
She thanked all those who have supported her over the past four years.
