A RIBBLE Valley councillor has resigned after six years on the council, sparking a by-election.

Councillor Christine Conner, who represented the Littlemoor ward for two years, handed in her resignation on personal grounds, having not attended the council for six months.

Coun Conner also represented the Read and Simonstone ward for four years.

Council leader Councillor Stuart Hirst said: “She has consulted me and I understand her reasons for leaving the council.

“We wish her every success in the future and thank her for all the work she has done.

“I’m looking forward to the by-election where we will be hoping to retain the seat and keep our unprecedented majority on the council.”

Fellow Tory councillor Ged Mirfin said: “We wish her all the best in the future. She has always been a strong supporter of the Conservative Party.

“We are looking forward to participating in the up-coming by-election and robustly promoting and advancing our cause.”

Coun Conner was unavailable for comment yesterday.

The date of the by-election is due to be announced over the next few days.