A Hull Road Labour councillor has stood down for health reasons.

Roger Pierce has represented the ward since being elected in May 2007, working tirelessly on behalf of residents across the ward, all the way from Badger Hill to Tang Hall.

He says:

"I've thoroughly enjoyed being a Labour councillor for Hull Road ward, but unfortunately I'm unable to continue until the May 2011 elections. I want to thank local people for electing me, and for those that have worked with me over the past few years. I feel I have given it my all, achieving many successes, but current circumstances mean that I'm not able to continue in the role without giving it 100%. I know any successor Labour councillor will".

Labour leader Coun. James Alexander paid tribute to Coun. Pierce's contribution, saying:

"Roger has been a significant Member of the Labour Group in terms of his ideas, and has always involved himself heavily in debates on policy. His work ethic has been second to none and I sympathise with him when he says he cannot keep things going at that level. This must have been a very difficult decision as I know how much representing the residents of Hull Road ward means to Roger.

"Since taking on the Children and Young People's Services portfolio Roger has shown a firm grasp of the important issues, and has been instrumental in developing Labour's policies on academies and free schools. I thank him sincerely for his contribution. We will now select a successor who will build on Roger's good work".

Labour will select its candidate in the coming fortnight to take part in the by-election to represent the ward alongside Coun. Richard Cregan.