The six-month saga surrounding controversial councillor Stephen Gregory finally ended yesterday whenhe resigned from Wear Valley District Council, in County Durham. Catherine Jewitt looks at how his Caribbean adventure has affected the town he was elected to serve.

WHILE Stephen Gregory built a new life for himself on the paradise island of the Dominican republic, frustrated constituents in the North-East were left behind wanting help with everyday problems.

All the day-to-day council issues in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, from car parking problems to complaints of litter, fell to Labour councillor Margaret Jones, who has also had a busy schedule as the council's chairwoman.

She said: "I have had a lot more phone calls and messages from people wanting help. On top of that, I am presently the chairman of Wear Valley District Council and I have already got a very heavy schedule.

"My workload has increased."

Mr Gregory did leave an e-mail address and an overseas telephone number for people to contact him, but two tropical storms and power cuts rendered them virtually useless.

Caf owners Sam and Lesley Zair tried to call him, but could only get a voice message. Even worse, the tape was recorded in Spanish.

Mr Zair said: "We both tried getting in touch with him because we wanted answers about how he believed he could represent us and take public money while living abroad.

"Margaret Jones is very good, but we would have liked to speak to Stephen about issues facing us as a business in Bondgate. As a town centre businessman and independent councillor, he would have a different perspective to Margaret and may have been able to help."

In the six months since his last council meeting, Mr Gregory has missed a series of important initiatives and events in the town.

A major regeneration scheme for the shopping areas has been carried out, car parking and the introduction of parking charges was a contentious issue and a major marketing strategy for the town as a shopping area was drawn up.

The saga surrounding Mr Gregory - who has continued to receive £89.08 a week in allowances since his move could even lead to a national review of councillors' pay.

Earlier this month, the council backed a motion from local LibDem leader, Chris Foote Wood, calling for a new Government order permitting local authorities to vary the basic rate, to reflect the number of meetings attended.

Councillor Foote Wood said his opponent's actions were wrong.

"People are fed up with politicians and the political system. The actions of Councillor Gregory have added to that negative feeling," he said.

Earlier comments by Mr Gregory, including "I haven't done anything wrong" and "it doesn't matter if you are in Bishop Auckland or ****** Brisbane", have angered councillors who feel he has tarnished the authority's reputation.

Coun Jones said: "We work very hard for the community and there is a lot of unseen work done by councillors.

"People of Bishop Auckland are very angry that Coun Gregory has still been able to draw his allowance."