An Oakham councillor has revealed why he has quit Rutland County Council.

Oakham North West Independent Adam Lowe handed in his letter of resignation yesterday, as Nub News reported earlier today.

Adam, a former Oakham Town Mayor, joined the county council three years ago.

The 57-year-old told Nub News: "It's just time to focus on work-life balance. I'm on the town council. I work for the probation service as a residential worker. I work 12 hours shifts. I found I was having to accommodate more of my leave around attending council meetings. I was nearly using all of my leave this year for council.

"For a better work-life balance, either the town council had to go or the county council had to go. There's more on the county council that can do a better job [than I] because I'm an Independent.

"I have been on the town council 11 years and made significant changes on the town council. I got the new park laid in Cutts Close. I helped them get military and other 'freedom of entry' parades. I am working on a project on the Cutts Close shelter."

And though finding more opportunity to make a difference at Oakham Town Cuncil, Adam leaves with good words for the unitary authority.

"There's a lot of people that want to throw statements at the county council and criticise it. But we have got people going on to it to do their utmost and they get flack for it. All I was shown was respect and courtesy at Rutland County Council from the officers and the councillors.

"It wasn't a case that were always split. There was good debate. There is nothing wrong with that/ I got on well with the councillors and since announcing my resignation I have had a few being in touch to wish me well."

Now, Adam plans to "focus on other things" including the town council and his community work for the church.

Earlier this year, when hiking along Hadrian's Wall, he raised £3000, and £1,000 for Key Access Rutland Enterprise, which funded 30 key safes around the county. It allows the carers to help you and secure the key to gain access."