A POPULAR parish councillor who played a prominent role in a long-running right of way issue has resigned.

Jill Russell will be replaced as a member of Hurworth Parish Council at a meeting next month.

A public inquiry was held earlier this year over whether a footpath along the River Tees, from Croft Workingmen’s Club to Rockliffe Hall Hotel, could be designated as a public right of way.

Coun Russell led the ultimately unsuccessful fight to have the footpath opened to the public.

The inquiry ruled in favour of the workingmen’s club, which was in dispute with the parish council over the issue.

Parish councillor John Howard, who had been in agreement with the workingmen’s club over the dispute, described Coun Russell as a ‘hard-working’ member of the parish council.

He said: “I think Jill was always going to leave after the right of way issue was decided and it was proved by law that the club’s stance was not wrong, even though she was flabbergasted by the decision.

“I think she just thought ‘enough is enough’ – and by the end, she was not coming to many [parish council] meetings.”

Parish clerk Peter Allan paid tribute to her ‘enthusiasm and leadership qualities’.

He said: “Jill has resigned because she was finding it difficult to attend the monthly meetings, and to play an active part in rolling out the council’s plans.

"Jill is working full time at Rockliffe Hall, where her career is progressing well, and her sphere of responsibilities is broadening.

“She is also bringing up a teenage family, in their new home in Darlington.

“Jill will be sadly missed by the council, as she is a great motivator and during the time she served on the council she showed enthusiasm and leadership qualities.

“Perhaps her finest hour is when she motivated more than 100 people to take part in a village clean up; it was a huge success.

“She also fought hard for the right of way at Croft Club, but sadly, for the villages, this did not come to fruition.

“The council wishes her continued success in her career, and thank her for her efforts and time serving Hurworth community.”

Coun Russell was unavailable for comment.