A Melksham Town councillor, Louisa Lewis, has resigned her seat citing lack of support from some members of the council as one of the reasons for her resignation. She was elected to represent the Melksham East ward in 2021 as an independent candidate, part of the Together for Melksham group.
During her time on the council, Louisa Lewis’s achievements included setting up a residents’ group for Melksham East and putting forward a successful proposal for additional lighting on the estates surrounding Forest & Sandridge School, which are due to be installed on 28th April.
In her resignation letter, Louisa Lewis said, “This decision comes after experiencing persistent bullying from some councillors and staff members of the Town Council, causing me significant distress. I had hoped that volunteering as a town councillor would be a positive experience, but unfortunately, it has been far from it. I have personally been attacked and belittled in public, and my efforts have been met with resistance rather than support.”
In a statement to the residents of Melksham East, she added, “I am going to be able to work in the community without the restrictions of being a councillor. I will have more time to spend on community projects and will be able to participate in community-led activities. I love Melksham town and am committed to working hard for and with the residents.”
A by-election for the vacant Town Council seat can be called if 10 residents request one in writing. If no request is received to call an election, then the town council may then co-opt someone into the vacant seat and can choose who they wish to appoint to fill the seat, rather than holding an election.
