A KIDDERMINSTER councillor has resigned from Wyre Forest District Council due to ill health – just three months after being elected.

Ruth Gregory, who represented the Blakebrook and Habberley South ward for the Conservative Party, has decided to step down from the authority.

Wyre Forest District Council has issued a notice of vacancy for the position inviting parties to put forward candidates before calling a by-election, which could happen towards the end of September or October.

In the district council elections, held in May, Mrs Gregory polled 1,194 votes – the second most in the Blakebrook and Habberley South ward – as the Tories claimed 21 of the available 33 seats across Wyre Forest.

Council and Wyre Forest Conservative group leader Marcus Hart said he was sorry to see her go and wished her well for the future.

He said: “She has an illness and, with a heavy heart, she has decided to step down from her position on the council.

“I saw her over the weekend and we discussed her situation. It is unfortunate but she feels that the electorate of Blakebrook and Habberley South deserve to have three councillors working for them.

“As she doesn’t feel she can do that while she is unwell, she has decided to step down.

“I’m very sorry to see her go. She worked extremely hard, was elected to the council in May and was a loyal and dedicated member of our team.

“But I wish her well and all the very best for the future.”

Last year Mrs Gregory, who has a son and two daughters, set up a grandparents support group for people who had lost touch with their grandchildren.