ALTON councillor Patrick Burridge has resigned as leader of East Hampshire District Council.

Mr Burridge, 52, who has taken the decision due to persistent ill health, will remain as the member for Alton's Downland ward, but he is standing down from Cabinet, leaving Alton with just one representive at Cabinet level.

Having been diagnosed recently with Parkinsons disease, Mr Burridge says that the stress of his work as leader has caused an acceleration of the condition and he has been advised to reduce his stress levels.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.