Last remaining town councillors all resign
BBCA town council has been thrown further into disarray after its remaining four councillors all resigned.
Yarm Town Council, which was rocked by the resignations of seven of its members two weeks ago, is also without a permanent clerk.
Councillors Pamela Smailes, Brian Newcombe and husband and wife Bob and Barbara Wegg cited ongoing hostility and a "toxic" atmosphere around the council as reasons for their departures.
Stockton Council has posted notices of the 11 vacancies, saying an election would be held if there was enough interest. If not, new councillors would be appointed.
Town councillors are volunteers who, along with a town clerk, are responsible for delivering a range of services and events.
In Yarm these included the Christmas celebrations, operating allotments and looking after some town centre floral decorations and benches.
'Needs disbanding'
Smailes said all four faced hostility during a fractious public meeting last week.
"It's not worth it for my mental health," she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service
"To me it was absolutely untenable for four of us to try and work with what was remaining."
She also said the four councillors were facing mistreatment online.
Bob Wegg added: "We couldn't go on with all the abuse that we're still getting."
Newcombe said: "I became the chair on the Tuesday and I resigned on the Friday.
"The whole thing needs disbanding and Stockton taking it over, but I don't think they will."
The town council still exists despite having no councillors.
Vacancy notices from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council read: "An election will be held to fill the vacancy if ten electors for the parish write to the Proper Officer of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
"If no request is submitted within the stated time, the Town Council will co-opt replacement councillors directly on to the council."