A COUNCILLOR has quit in a row over the exclusion of opposition representation in a new regeneration scheme.

Former shop owner Kathleen Atkinson has resigned her seat on both Durham City and Belmont Parish councils and left the Liberal Democrat party.

She plans to stand again for both councils in a by-election as an Independent - even though she could have seen out her term of office despite leaving the party.

Mrs Atkinson joined the Liberal Democrats two years ago and has represented Belmont ward since the party seized power from Labour.

She says she decided to quit because of a row with the city council leadership over the composition of a new executive board that will consider applications for the funding of regeneration schemes.

The council is setting up a community fund that will channel money raised by the sale of council land, and the board will recommend to the council cabinet the projects that should be funded.

The original plan was for the board to be made up of officers and senior councillors who are portfolio holders - all Liberal Democrats - with other members co-opted when needed.

Mrs Atkinson said she argued for Labour and Independent councillors to be on the board and that, even though both groups will now have one representative each, she is disillusioned with the workings of party politics.

"I could see no valid reason to exclude representation on the board from democratically-elected councillors of the Independent and Labour groups.

"They are working on behalf of the community. I have never been given a reason for this decision to exclude other political parties.

"This is a community fund for the benefit of all, using community assets in part to fund it.

"I felt that representation from all parties should sit on the board.

"When power is placed in you hands, it should be used fairly and democratically, or you are no different to any other political party.''

Council leader Sue Pitts said the council had done what Mrs Atkinson wanted and extended representation on the board. "It is a great shame that she has resigned because she has a lot of skills. Clearly, we are very disappointed at her decision.''

A spokesman for Durham City Council said it was planned to hold the by-election for both the city and parish councils on Thursday, December 16.