Seaton mayor Peter Burrows thanks retiring town clerk Tony Le Riche for his work for the resort

Town clerk and two leading councillors stand down

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Seaton Town Council has been left reeling after three leading figures resigned this week.

Town clerk Tony Le Riche is leaving, along with senior councillors John Seward and Jim Pigott.

Announcing the news on Monday mayor Peter Burrows told the Herald they would all be greatly missed.

Mr Le Riche has been town clerk and responsible financial officer for 18 months.

He said it was now time to “move on to other things”.

Said Cllr Burrows: “Tony has worked with councillors to bring about improvements to the town including appointing a designer for the seafront enhancement project, a dog warden for Seaton, naming the public realm, enhancement to Jubilee Gardens and new equipment for Elizabeth Road play area. We wish him well in his new ventures, and thank him for his contribution to the town.”

Paying tribute to the two councillors who are standing down, Cllr Burrows said: “I have known John Seward for many years and the town council will miss his valued contribution. John has served on many committees most recently chairing the allotments and the tourist information committees. John was always able to give an impartial view on things and used his knowledge of his time spent in Seaton to good advantage. I wish John the best and hope he will support us in an advisory role when his health improves.

“Jim Pigott has served Seaton for several years on the town council. He was the chairman of the planning committee for a second year and was helping to produce our reply to EDDC on the Local plan. As I was the one who persuaded Jim to stand I would like to hope he enjoys his retirement.”

It is understood that Cllr Seward has stood down after suffering health problems and Cllr Pigott was said to be unhappy with the way the council was running things.

Explaining his reason for going, Mr Le Riche said: “The council has made a good start on many projects. It is now time for me to move on to other things and make way for a new town clerk who can continue to help the council deliver more exciting projects.”

In a tribute to the mayor he added: “I have had a strong working relationship with Peter Burrows and hope that he will be there to continue to lead the council during these exciting times for Seaton.”