THE chairman of Hurworth Community Association has confirmed he will resign in September.

George Lawman, who has been at the helm for six months, said there was a conflict of interests between his role as parish councillor.

Coun Lawman became chairman of the community association, which runs Hurworth Grange Community Centre, after previous trustees resigned due to pressures relating to a dispute with Gary Orpen.

Mr Orpen threatened to sue the trustees in May last year over alleged anti-social behaviour at The Grange.

Coun Lawman said: "Being chairman is a bit like managing a football club - harsh decisions have needed to be made to gain back some of our true income and put "the club" on a safer financial footing.

"That has now been achieved. Some egos have been bruised, some fans have appreciated our efforts - some fans haven't - but I've no regrets."

Coun Lawman said the positives of his time as chairman have included negotiating a new five-year lease on The Grange with the parish council, new security cameras, a successful Gala Day and Music In The Air concert, and reducing utility bills.

He said The Grange manager Keith Sandick and new treasurer Ken Peacock would offer a "safe pair of hands".