A TOWN has been rocked by concern over the vision for the future amid claims of lack of professionalism and the resignation of a well known community leader.

Bedale has been put on the map over the past few months after the first ever visit by the Tour de Yorkshire and a series of community events. But the voluntary leader of Bedale and Villages Community Forum, Yvonne Rose, has resigned saying she can no longer work with the town council.

The local authority said they have always been keen to work with other organisations and acknowledge the hard work done by Ms Rose.

In her resignation letter she wrote: “I have been chair since 2009 and have thoroughly enjoyed it until recent months.

“Some of what we have achieved has required teamworking with other organisations, particularly the town council. Since the retirement of Richard Howard as the town clerk, the professionalism of the council has deteriorated, making it impossible to have the working relationship which had achieved so much in the past.

“The art trail has been a complex project, particularly for volunteers to deliver. Despite the council fully supporting the project from inception, when their action was required, it became mired in unnecessary bureaucracy.

“The council’s response to my report on the Tour de Yorkshire shows that our approach to organising such events is fundamentally different. I am therefore resigning.

“The forum has a strategic vision for Bedale, to which the town council has signed up; I hope a new chair can work with the council to develop their understanding of teamwork and proper communications to deliver that vision.”

The town council is currently in the process of appointing a new clerk.

In a statement they said: “Bedale Town Council has always been keen to work with other organisations to deliver those projects that are intended to improve Bedale for the good of its residents and visitors alike.

“Though having had to act within its regulatory constraints, the council is happy to have supported the many initiatives that have benefitted the town. The council has enjoyed a good working relationship with the forum in the past and looks forward to working with them in the future.

“The council acknowledges the hard work for Bedale that Ms Rose has put in over the years and wishes her well for the future.”