THE chairman of troubled Yarm Town Council made an emotional bowing-out speech this week.

Coun Gwen Porter said the last two years had been the most miserable she had ever had on the council.

As she handed the chain of office over to new chairman, Coun Liz Marsden, she said disruptive elements had prevented her from doing as well as she could have done.

At Tuesday's annual meeting, Coun Porter welcomed Coun Marsden to the job, saying: "I hope she has a happier time than I have had.

"I have served on this council for more than 20 years and the last two as chairman have been the most unhappy I have ever had."

She was referring to the constant strife which has plagued the council since Labour members, Couns Eric Turton and Bob Stephenson, were elected a couple of years ago.

A long-running disagreement over allotment land which was handed over for a medical centre car park was the nub of rows which have taken up more and more council time.

But as time went on, the arguments branched out to other matters such as the functioning of the council itself and the fellowship hall.

At one point Couns Turton and Stephenson described the organisation as "archaic".

Clerk Mr Paul Joiner quit his job after claiming the two Labour members had called his integrity and competence into question.

Coun Porter told the council on Tuesday: "The town council has had its highs and lows, but there have been more lows for me.

"The council has not been united. There was a continuous attempt to undermine me from certain elements.

"I have done my best under pressure, but not as good as it could have been and I only hope the council will now run smoothly and that Coun Marsden realises it is not just a question of being here on a Tuesday night.

"The work goes on all year round. It is not a part-time job but a full-time one."

Taking over as chairman, Coun Marsden said: "I think we will find that things will have to change."

Coun Philip Addison was elected vice-chairman.