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CRISIS has engulfed Shaftesbury Town Council after a third of its councillors walked out.

Cllrs Ruth Hughes, Jenni Dearing, Barry Freeman and Dennis Hughes handed in their resignations following the council's annual general meeting.

All four only joined the council last year. One said she had stepped down because she felt frustrated by existing councillors' reluctance to listen to new ideas or advice.

A fifth councillor, Richard Thomas, is considering his position.

He believes the four who stepped down did so because they were unhappy at who was chosen to sit on the council's committees.

He wants the entire council to resign by May 23 and resubmit themselves for election.

If they do not, he will press for a parish poll.

Those who resigned were elected to the posts in May 2007.

One of those resigning, Ruth Hughes, sent a copy of her resignation letter to the Echo, saying she was frustrated and disheartened.

Her letter stated: "Long before I joined the council I felt my skills and qualifications as a direct provider of support to vulnerable people, and of managing a large staff team could be of benefit to the role of town councillor.

"Sadly my suggestion to develop a skills profile for councillors has been ignored, as has any advice I have offered that would enable the council to become a robust, accountable and corporate organisation."

Mayor Winifred Harvey said: "I'm disappointed and saddened they have gone.

"They have their own reasons for going. They all came on to the council last year. It would appear that it has not lived up to their expectations."

Mrs Harvey said the council would recruit new members to fill the vacancies for Underhill, Christy's and Grosvenor wards. The resignations leaves Grosvenor and Christy's wards each with two councillors but the council still has quorate levels, and can therefore continue business.

7:00pm Saturday 17th May 2008

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