Three more councillors have resigned from Sandwich Town Council resulting in a total of four departures in one week.

Conservatives Bill Staple, Tony Broun and Clare Felton have given up their seats.

It comes after Labour's David Wood announced on Monday he was leaving office over "serious differences" with the leadership group "over fairness, good governance and ultimately core democratic principles."

He is understood to have announced his departure during an extraordinary meeting held by Sandwich Town Council on Friday, but is not commenting further.

The meeting was held to discuss a single confidential item and was therefore private.

It is alleged other councillors also walked out during proceedings. However Cllr Broun and Cllr Felton were not present at the meeting.

A statement from the council said: "It is with much sadness that we report that four councillors have taken the decision to resign from office.

"Please be advised that a by-election will be announced in due course, for which polling cards will be distributed.

"May we reassure you that officers acting on behalf of Sandwich Town Council continue to function as usual and the council offices remain open for business."

Bill Staple, Tony Broun and Clare Felton have been approached for comments.

With four vacant seats, the council is now made up of six Conservative members, two Labour, one Liberal Democrat and three Independents.

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