A VILLAGE council near Malvern is in turmoil following the resignations of a number of key figures. 

Cradley Parish Council has seen the resignations of several councillors in recent months, as well as its clerk.

These resignations have caused chaos, with one council meeting in February having to be cancelled as there were not enough councillors.

The latest resignations are of town lengthsmen Jeremy Phillips and Geoff Fielding, both of whom resigned over "issues" within the council.

Their departure meant no one was available to carry out any of the routine maintenance needed in and around the village.

At an extraordinary meeting of the council on February 12, the resignations of clerk Phil Striplin and parish councillor Anne Mary Scarsbrook were accepted by the council.

This now leaves Cradley Parish Council with just five councillors and no clerk, although two new councillors have been co-opted, leaving seven vacancies on the council.

Cllr Wynne Harries is now serving as temporary chair while the vacancies can be filled.

He told the Malvern Gazette: "Regarding recent changes within the Parish Council, I cannot speak for those individuals who have resigned but I am pleased to announce that three new councillors have already been co-opted in recent weeks.

"Also, I can honestly say that all seven of the current councillors are making enormous and positive contributions to the running of the council, as it goes through a difficult transition and hopefully to a more stable future.

"I am enormously grateful to them all for their support and dedication."

In a letter to residents, Mr Striplin said it was a "difficult" choice to step down.

He wrote: "As you may know, we've had a number of recent resignations which has reduced our councillors to a team of six at the start of this month.

"We were very sorry to receive the resignation of Anne Scarsbrook from the council. Anne has been a very active councillor for a number of years, most recently as chair, and we thank her for everything she has done.

"As I am leaving my role on March 7, I'd like to thank all the great people I've met and worked with during my time with the council."