A FORMER Ilminster Councillor who decided to step down from her position on Tuesday evening has spoken to the Chard and Ilminster News about why she made the choice.

Sophie Storey, who had been a councillor for three years, said that she feels she can still have a positive impact on the community despite not being a councillor, and that there is probably "somebody better suited for the job".

Mrs Storey said: "I have got frustrated with nothing really moving forward, talking around the same old things.

"A year back meetings were running a bit differently and we were moving forward.

"Now, there is a lot of big projects that don't seem to be moving very fast.

"We have been talking about a rec review since I came into the town council, but we haven't put the money in the budget for it.

"We have got issues with the cemetary, but again we haven't put money in the budget for that.

"I don't want to bring anything into disrupute. I think we do still have some hard working councillors.

"I am really proud of this town. I was born here, I live here, I work here and I have brought my children up here. They have gone to Greenfylde and Swanmead just like I did.

"This year I have found hard since the election. For me, I need to feel like I am making a difference.

"I am involved in the Ilminster Forum and we have raised nearly enough for two defibrillators in three months.

"I think I can carry on doing good things for Ilminster without having to be a councillor.

"I found it quite stressful. I think there is somebody better suited for this job out there and I hope they come forward in an election.

"I think there is some issues at the moment with regards to the cemetary.

"I really hope they find someone more suited to the politics.

"I am hoping that one of the other councillors will come forward on the council to help with the Queen's Birthday celebrations. I intend to be as fully involved in it as before.

"It is on the same day as the Midsummer Experience and if anything I think that will bring more poeople to the town.

"I am on Ilminster Forum and involved with the defibrillator work as well. There will be two in the town which will save lives.

"I intend to carry on being involved in schools as well.

"I have been surprised. I have had so much good feeling which means so much because I have always done it for the people."

To read more about the plans for an Ilminster street party, which is being organised by Mrs Storey and Tesco community champion Helena Jones, click here.