THE largest opposition group on Herefordshire Council is calling for some changes to be made to the time that meetings are held in order to be 'properly representative' of the electorate.

It comes after It’s Our County announced that Councillor Mark Mansell would be stepping down as the Herefordshire councillor for Kings Acre ward, although he will continue to serve the ward in his role as Hereford city councillor.

He said it had been 'impossible' for him to fulfil the demands of being a county councillor as many meetings and sessions are held in normal working hours.

Cllr Mansell said: "Family matters and work-related pressures have obliged me to make this decision in the best interests of my family and my employment. Because all council and committee meetings, member briefings and training sessions continue to be scheduled in normal working hours it’s been impossible for me to be able to give all I’ve wanted to the demands of being a county councillor.

“I’m glad to go on being able to serve local residents as the Hereford City councillor for King’s Acre. Helpfully, all the city council’s meetings are held in the evening."

Anthony Powers, group leader of It’s Our County, said he fully appreciated Cllr Mansell's difficult circumstances, and thanked him for his hard work for the residents of Kings Acre ward since 2015.

He said: "It’s Our County will be putting a notice of motion to the next full council meeting, asking Herefordshire Council for 50% of all meetings and member sessions to be held after 4pm.

"This would make it much easier for those like Mark in full-time employment to take part in council business. Without this change Herefordshire Council can never be properly representative of the county’s electorate and will continue to discriminate against younger working councillors.”