A BY-election will be held in Blackburn after a councillor resigned citing 'personal' reasons.

Councillor Carol Walsh, 35, who has represented the Mill Hill ward since 2012, stepped own last week.

In a message posted on her Facebook group on Sunday, the Labour member, who was elected with a majority of 699, said she had decided to relinquish her seat on the council due to 'personal reasons'.

She thanked constituents for their support and said she had been proud to represent the area where she had lived most of her life.

She has a reputation as a hard-working councillor who had a particular passion for the environment.

During her three years on Blackburn with Darwen Council she led numerous community clean-ups in the Galligreaves, Griffin and Mill Hill areas.

She also worked to counter incidents of fly-tipping in the neighbourhood's alleys and waste ground, often personally helping council officers clear up.

Cllr Walsh is also a governor at Griffin Park Primary School and a board member at Hancock St Children’s Centre.

On her website, she states 'living in Mill Hill ward I know that residents are also concerned about crime and I have a record of working with the local police team to tackle issues'.

Blackburn with Darwen Council have issued a notice of vacancy for a councillor and a by-election is expected to be held within the next five weeks.

A spokesman, said: "A vacancy has occurred in the office of councillor for the Mill Hill ward of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, due to the resignation of councillor Carol Walsh.

"Notice in writing of a request for an election to fill the vacancy may be given by two electors for the electoral area.

"Upon receipt of a request for the vacancy to be filled, an election will be held to fill the vacancy within 35 working days."

Cllr Walsh could not be contacted for comment yesterday.