A LONG-SERVING councillor has resigned because he is unhappy about the continuing cuts to local government.

Durham County Councillor Mac Williams spent his last day at the local authority today (Wednesday).

The Labour Party member, who celebrated his 72nd birthday last week, had not been planning to stand again in next year’s local elections, due to take place in May, but decided to resign early.

The Coxhoe representative said: “It’s sad the way things are going. We didn’t come into local government for these cuts. It’s unprecedented. That’s made the job a lot harder, it’s made all the members’ jobs a lot harder. We didn’t go into it to reduce services.

“When I go to County Hall it’s just not the same. I don’t get the buzz any more. I’ve been going there since 1974 and I know all the staff but when you’re not happy, it’s time to go.

“I wasn’t going to stand in May but I’ve brought it forward a bit.”

Mr Williams, from Croxdale, was elected to the council in 2006 and was chairman of the authority in 2010.

He started working in local government in 1971, working in Seaham before moving to roles in Derwentside and Durham City.

In 1979 he was appointed as a magistrate and became chairman of the Durham bench in 2001 and the newly formed North Durham combined bench in 2006.

He said: “When I was made chairman of the bench I thought that was the pinnacle of my career but being the chairman of the council was the icing on the cake.

“I’ve had tremendous support from my colleagues and staff and but it’s time to go.”

A new councillor will be elected in May.