ON the eve of her first anniversary of becoming a Ross-on-Wye town councillor Saskia Harrison has resigned from her position citing that it is an incredibly difficult environment to work in as a volunteer.

The independent town councillor said that it wasn’t an easy decision to make because serving the local community has been a genuine privilege and added: “I have met some incredible people, learned so much, and had the opportunity to help residents with issues that really matter. For that, I will always be grateful.

“When I first stood for election, I did so because I wanted to make a positive difference for Ross. I believed that local government should be about listening, working together, and putting residents first.

“Those values haven't changed, and I'm proud of the work I have been able to do during my time as a councillor.”

Ms Harrison said that in reality the role had not been what she expected.

“I understand that it is frustrating to see how short my time with the council has been, just shy of a year, especially to the people who elected me, and for that I am genuinely sorry,” Ms Harrison said.

“It has become clear to me that this is an incredibly difficult environment to work in as a volunteer. After a great deal of thought, I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer continue in a role where I do not believe I can make the positive difference that our community deserves.

“I cannot, in good conscience, continue with the way things are being run when it no longer aligns with the values and reasons that led me to stand for election in the first place.

“At times, it has genuinely felt like knocking my head against a brick wall.”

Ms Harrison said that in stepping down she is not giving up on Ross but is facing reality and simply recognising that shhe cannot be part of something that she no longer believes is working in the best interests of the Ross community, or in a way that allows her to serve residents as I had hoped.

In a post of social media Ms Harrison said that while she is leaving her role on the town council, she is not leaving the community of Ross-on-Wye.

“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who placed their trust in me, supported me, contacted me with concerns, or simply stopped for a chat. It has meant more than you probably realise,” said Ms Harrison,

“I will always care deeply about the people who live here in Ross and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve the people of the Ross West Ward.

“I wish everyone at Ross Town Council the very best for the future.”