THE councillor with the county’s future in his hands has called it quits – with immediate effect.

Herefordshire Council has just confirmed that Councillor Russell B Hamilton, cabinet member for environment, housing and planning, will resign as both a cabinet member and ward councillor.

Rumours of Coun Hamilton’s decision started circulating the council’s Brockington HQ last Friday.

In his cabinet role, Coun Hamilton was responsible for the council’s core strategy plan dictating development patterns - including house and road building -  in the county up to 2031.

That plan pitches 16,500 new homes, a western bypass for Hereford, and around 148 hectares of land being opened up for business expansion.

Council leader Councillor Tony Johnson said he was “saddened” at Coun Hamilton’s decision.

“He is without doubt the hardest working councillor serving at present.  I think it is unlikely that the people of Herefordshire will ever understand the difference he has made for them over the past few years.

“At a personal level he has been a great friend not just to me but to the officers with whom he has worked.  His dedication and friendship will be missed,” said Coun Johnson.

Plans are already being drawn up for a by-election in Pontrilas.

More to come…