THE former mayor of Welshpool has revealed the reasons for his decision to resign from the role – and said he has raised concerns with the public services ombudsman over unspecified issues during his tenure.

David Senior recently vacated his role as mayor at Welshpool Town Council, and has now cited reasons including his health and the actions of some councillors, for his resignation.

Mr Senior gave up his full-time job to focus solely on the role, but resigned earlier this year – and has now issued a public statement about his decision.

He said: “When I became Mayor of Welshpool I considered it to be a great honour.

“I hoped to work towards healing some of the rifts within the town council, develop the town council’s environmental policy, and work towards restoring some of the services that we had been forced to cancel, or reduce such as the skate park.

“I never expected to spend quite so much of my time umpiring constant petty arguments about which committee should discuss a particular issue, whether there was a minor mistake in the minutes, derogatory comments about other organisations and people, breaches of confidentiality, and verbal aggression towards fellow councillors.”

He added: “It is worth emphasising that this does not apply to most of the council and is not a criticism of the previous mayor who ably led the council through a very difficult time and for whom I have utter respect.”

Mr Senior also said he has raised concerns with the Public Services Ombudsman.

He added that his decision to resign was not made easily.

He said: “The financial loss to my family and the fact that it was affecting my health meant that I felt I had no choice but resign.

“I wish all the best to Alison Davies – I know that her ability and integrity will serve the town well.”

Cllr Davies added: “We said before we have no comment to make. We are all bound by our Code of Conduct and we have nothing to add to the statement made by David Senior.”

The ombudsman has been approached for comment.