05/05/2026
Chairpersons Resignation from Council
It is with regret that I tender my resignation from the Council.
I remain sincerely grateful to those who placed their trust in me through their vote three years ago. However, after careful consideration, I have concluded that continuing in this role is no longer an effective or appropriate use of my time for a number of reasons.
I would like to acknowledge and thank my family for their patience and support during my tenure. Unfortunately, serving on the Council has had an adverse impact on them in ways I did not anticipate. While I expected a degree of personal criticism, it has been deeply concerning that certain individuals within the village have directed inappropriate and, at times, abusive behaviour toward members of my family, both in person and via social media. As a result, my family and I no longer feel able to enjoy local amenities, including the lake, due to the conduct of a vocal minority of residents. I am particularly proud of the mature way in which my children have handled the immature behaviour of some adults.
I would also like to formally recognise the Clerk for her outstanding service to Pickmere. Both the Clerk and the Chair appear to bear a disproportionate burden of vexatious activity, including frequent Freedom of Information requests. These requests place a strain on administrative resources and increase operational costs, and their purpose and public interest value are not always clear. I would like to take this opportunity to remind my fellow councillors that the clerk is an employee of the Parish Council and has the rights and protections that all employees in our country are entitled to.
Ongoing issues relating to the lake continue to highlight a lack of realism among some residents. On occasion, there have been suggestions that the Council should act outside the law in addressing antisocial behaviour, which is clearly unacceptable.
It is also a matter of concern that there are individuals who actively seek to undermine the decisions of the Council. Regrettably, this appears at times to include members within the Council itself. While differing views are a natural and healthy part of a democratic process, actions intended to subvert duly made decisions are inappropriate and damaging to effective governance.
There also appears to be a widespread misunderstanding among both residents and visitors regarding rights associated with the lake. Misconceptions, such as assumptions of exclusive rights of use or misunderstandings about common land, have contributed to unrealistic expectations and tensions within the community.
It was particularly disappointing to see dedicated and hardworking councillors resign earlier this year, including at least one instance following an unprovoked verbal attack by a resident. I had hoped that the co-option of new members would help foster a more collaborative and constructive environment; however, this has not yet materialised.
Finally, I would remind my fellow councillors that established procedures and governance frameworks exist to protect both councillors and the public funds entrusted to us. While these processes may at times seem restrictive, adherence to them is essential and non-negotiable.
I wish the Council well in its future work on behalf of the community.
Yours faithfully,
Ewan
