A COUNCILLOR has resigned as deputy leader of her party's group.

Coun Ann Higgins gave up her post in the Independent Group, which forms part of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's ruling coalition, over proposals to move the authority's headquarters from Eston to Redcar.

The council's cabinet is set to approve the proposal to build a three-storey block linked to Redcar Central Library, which will involve borrowing money.

The Eston ward councillor feels the move, expected to cost £3.6m, is a waste of tax-payers' money. She has also accused the council of neglecting the Greater Eston area, as well as South Bank and Grangetown.

Coun Higgins, who will remain a member of the Independent group, said: "I think it's disgusting. I don't want to see the tax payer burdened with the bill. People are very angry.

"The town hall has been left to deteriorate and needs money spent on it, but there are other issues that need priority, such as regeneration. If as much clout and impetus was put into improving Eston square, people would be delighted.

"I would like to see a vision for the whole borough, but the Greater Eston area has been left to deteriorate. Independent Group Leader Steve Kay agrees with the move so I felt I could not stay as deputy leader."

Coun Kay said: "From what Coun Higgins told me, the reason for her resignation was that she felt there should have been further consultation with members before the council issued a press release on the subject of moving the town hall."

Coun Glyn Nightingale, cabinet member for corporate resources, has said there is a backlog of repairs at Eston Town Hall totalling £850,000. He said that the building had outlived its expected use by ten years.

Coun Nightingale said any in crease in council tax would amount to a few pence and that the council would use its capital borrowing powers rather than impose a burden on the council tax payers.

The Independent Group elected Westworth councillor Bruce MacKenzie as their new deputy leader.