Two long-standing town councillors - both who served time as mayor - have handed in their resignations.

Both Alan Pitcher and Mike Bryceson decided to step down as Wigton town councillors this week.

Alan Pitcher, who is a conservative member, has been on Wigton’s town council for eight years and was mayor for two years during 2015 and 2017.

He said: “I just wasn’t happy with the direction of the town council. It was no longer effective.”

Mr Pitcher is disappointed to be stepping down and didn’t take the decision lightly.

He continued: It took a lot of hard thinking but now was the right time to do it.

“I will keep working for Wigton somehow. I really enjoyed my time as town mayor and enjoyed being on the town council.”

Mike Bryceson is also stepping down after eight years on the council.

He said: “Things have changed drastically and I wasn’t happy. I’m surprisingly feeling very relieved.”

Mr Bryceson will continue to work part-time in Eastons, Wigton. He is also a trustee member of Wigton Baths so will continue to help with that as well as helping his wife with the scouts.

During the 2017-2018 year, Mr Bryceson served as mayor and served as deputy mayor to Mr Pitcher for two years.

A town council spokeswoman said: “We are very surprised at the timing of the resignations of Mr Bryceson and Mr Pitcher, however, we do understand that this voluntary role can be very time consuming.

“The direction of the town council has not changed. It prides itself on being a non-political council and members who sit round the table are there to fulfil statutory duties and do their best for Wigton and this will continue.

“We would like to thank all outgoing members for their support during their terms of office and we welcome new members on May 8.”