THE deputy mayor of Devizes, Albert Wooldridge, has resigned from his post over a parking row on a lane that leads to the town's skatepark.

Coun Wooldridge has written to Devizes Town Council, Mayor Nigel Giraud-Saunders and Nigel Carter, chairman of Devizes Guardians, to let them know of his decision.

He plans to continue on the town council but has given up his role of deputy mayor and the chance to become mayor next year.

He said: "I am feeling very sad about it but I decided I had to do this. I am staying on as a councillor as I feel I owe that to the people who voted for me. My argument is with the town council.

"I have really enjoyed being deputy mayor and meeting lots of people. I was looking forward to being mayor next year but this is important to me."

Coun Wooldridge announced last month that he would resign unless the town council did more to stop people who use the skatepark in Green Lane from parking on the narrow road.

The town council has now put up signs asking boarders and BMX bikers to use the nearby playing field car park but many have persisted in using the narrow lane instead.

Coun Wooldridge said: "The council decided it would have to form a working party to look at the problem and I just think that will take far too long.

"It is very dangerous and needs to be resolved quickly. On Sunday it was absolutely chaos down there.

"There is no barrier to protect children from the traffic and now that more and more cars park there it is difficult for people to see youngsters coming out of the park."

Coun Carter said he was disappointed by Coun Wooldridge's decision. He said the Guardians would be meeting this week to appoint a replacement deputy.

Coun Giraud-Saunders said he appreciated the support he had received from his deputy. He said: "We want now to try and get a replacement sorted as seamlessly as possible. We do not want any recriminations."

No one from Devizes Town Council was available for comment this week but last month deputy town clerk Simon Fisher said: "Whilst this is a public right of way, for which we have no control, and the layby has always been located where it is, we will look at how we can inform users of the layby to park courteously and not block the lane for others."