A LONG-STANDING Romsey town councillor has stepped down from his seat disagreement regarding the council's recent budget vote.

Ian Richards, who represented the Abbey ward, said the vote was the "final straw" and he could not continue in his position any longer.

Speaking to the Echo, Cllr Richards, who will remain as a Test Valley borough councillor for Romsey (Abbey), said that he could do no more to help the residents of the town as a town councillor.

As reported, the council voted to increase council tax by less than five per cent - against recommendations drawn up by the council's financial officer.

The first budget option would have seen a rise of 17.53%, but the council opted for the second option of 4.83% by just a majority of one.

But Cllr Richards says the higher increase should have been adopted, an increase of around 13p per week, so more could be done for the community.

"I do feel sorry for the hardworking Town Clerk that recommended that the council adopts the first budget option," he said.

"The increase should have been taken three years ago, to lessen the impact now, but unfortunately councillor are voting around political concerns rather than what is best for the community."

The Youth in Romsey trustee, who was a town councillor for almost 10 years, added: "I do appreciate the honour I was given to support the community within the town council, but I believe someone else needs to come in who has more of a business brain.

"I feel I can do no more and someone else could come in and do better."

Now notices have been issued stating a by-election to fill the vacancy will be held if, by no later than February 10, ten electors for the parish give notice in writing, claiming such an election be held, to the returning officer at Test Valley Borough Council.

If no such notice is given Romsey Town Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.

Regarding the recent budget vote, Romsey Town Council's clerk, who is also the financial officer, said: "My role is to advise council, however it is their decision as to whether they take that advice.

"I would like to thank Cllr Richards for all his support and hard work over the years; he will be greatly missed."