A DISTRICT councillor has resigned - less than two years after being elected.

Graham Trave, who was elected onto Stroud District Council in May 2010 for the Coaley and Uley ward, has resigned with immediate effect because of ill health.

In a statement Mr Trave said: "I have stood down as a district councillor for Uley and Coaley. "I have been quite ill and as a result my life circumstances and future plans have changed."

He added: "I have really enjoyed my time as a councillor especially serving with the development control committee of Stroud District Council.

"The people in my ward need active representation and I wish my successor all the best in serving the people of Uley, Nympsfield and Coaley."

In 2009 Mr Trave was initially involved with the community response to Ecotricity's plans to build four wind turbines near Stinchcombe, but said he ended his involvement when he became a district councillor.

Mr Trave’s resignation last week means the ward is now up for a by-election at the district elections being held on May 3.

Other district council seats up for grabs include Berkeley, Dursley, Kingswood, and Wotton-under-Edge.

A seat in the Severn ward is also up for election to replace Cllr Norman Smith, who died suddenly just before Christmas.

Anyone interested in standing in the district council elections should call the Stroud District Council elections team, during office hours on 01453 754886 for a nomination pack, or email elections@stroud.gov.uk

Completed nomination forms must be received no later than 12pm on Wednesday, April 4.