KEIGHLEY'S deputy mayor has resigned from Keighley Town Council, saying he feels he can no longer dedicate the time and commitment his role deserves.

Ian Dermondy, who had been a Guardhouse Ward town councillor since May 2015 and was officially confirmed as deputy mayor last month, (May) publicly confirmed today (June 22) that he had stepped down.

He said: "I've always given 100 per cent to my ward and to the council, but with my work commitments at the moment I no longer feel that I can give that amount of time and effort.

"I don't feel that's fair on the residents of Guardhouse, so after a lot of deep thought I decided that it would be best to step down and allow someone that can put in the time to take up the challenge instead.

"In my view this is the proper thing to do, and I hope everyone understands that.

"I've always been as active as I can be as a councillor. In my first year I sat on eight council committees, and I was on six committees in my second year.

"But in terms of my paid job I'm now working six days a week – including four days a week in Otley – I've recently had a promotion and my own family hasn't had much of my time for the last couple of years."

Mr Dermondy, who is a manager at an e-cigarette shop, said he still intended to carry out fundraising to help provide more community defibrillators for Keighley.

As a councillor he has previously led a scheme to have five of these devices installed at easily accessible locations around Keighley parish.

He said he felt the town council was moving in the right direction, though noted that its expanding areas of responsibility mean its members and staff do face an increasing workload.

Keighley town mayor Cllr Mohammed Nazam said Mr Dermondy's departure was a loss for the council.

"It is very unfortunate, as he's been a very dedicated councillor," he added. "But family and work have to come first and I respect his decision."

A spokesman for Keighley Town Council's office confirmed that the vacant seat for Guardhouse ward would be advertised.

He explained: "If 10 or more electors from that ward demand a by-election then there will need to be a by-election.

"If not, then the town council must co-opt a new member within a reasonable period of time.

"If there is a successful petition for an election and only one person puts themselves forward for the seat then they will automatically be elected, so long as they are eligible to stand as a councillor."

He said nominations for the office of deputy mayor were likely to be considered at the full town council meeting due to take place next Thursday evening, (June 29) with the election also likely to take place at that same meeting.