A COUNCILLOR who failed to pay nearly £3,000 in council tax until the matter was taken to court has finally quit.

Andy Barfield, who represented Mudeford on Christchurch council, tendered his resignation yesterday.

A statement from council chief executive David McIntosh said: "Andy Barfield has resigned as a local councillor for the Mudeford and Friars Cliff ward with immediate effect.

"He has stated that increased work commitments are the reason for his resignation."

The Daily Echo revealed last month that Cllr Barfield, an accountant, and Cllr Vicki Hallam had both failed to pay council tax to their own council in the last financial year.

They paid up after the matter was referred the courts.

At the time Cllr Barfield, of Capesthorne, Mudeford, said the money was owed by a tenant on a rental property and he was not aware of the issue.

He quickly quit as the portfolio holder for effective council - a role overseeing the financial performance of the authority.

The Echo has a number of outstanding questions about Mr Barfield and Cllr Hallam lodged with the council under the Freedom of Information Act.