THREE more councillors have resigned from the controlling group of a council.

Councillors Yvonne Peacock, Keith Loadman and George Dent have left the Conservative group of Richmondshire District Council and will now set up their own group.

The resignations bring to five the number of councillors who have left the group in recent weeks.

Raymond Alderson and Rob Johnson handed in their notices last month.

Coun Alderson cited the Tory group's handling of the planned office move to Colburn as one of the reasons behind his decision.

The proposed sale of a car park and other council assets in Richmond to fund the new headquarters has angered residents.

The three councillors who announced their resignations this week have remained tight-lipped on the reason behind their decision

A statement said: "We regret that we find it necessary at this time to leave the Conservative group on Richmondshire District Council."

Coun Yvonne Peacock, ward councillor for Addlebrough, said: "I look forward to making decisions which are in the best interest of the people of Richmondshire without any constraints."

In response, a statement from the Richmondshire Conservative Association said: "We regret that some former members of the Richmondshire Conservative Group feel unable to continue working in the group.

"The remaining Conservatives pledge their fullest support for the people of Richmondshire and will continue to work hard for their areas."

Council leader John Blackie said: "As leader of the Conservative group, I stand by the statement made by the association."