A parish councillor with twenty years of service has resigned for “personal reasons” – according to the council chairperson.

Aldenham West Conservative parish councillor, Gary Walton, stepped down from his post earlier this month - the precise nature of his resignation is still unknown.

Mr Walton, of Elm Walk, Radlett, has served his community for two decades.

His most recent post was chairman for the parks and open spaces committee.

Aldenham Parish Council chairperson, Viv Charrett, said: “Mr Walton stepped down for personal reasons earlier this month.

“He has been a councillor for 20 years, off and on.

“Under his remit for the for the parks and open spaces committee he oversaw 70 acres of land and 1,500 trees.”

Ms Charrett added that because Mr Walton’s resignation fell with less than six months until the next election, there will not be a by-election – instead, Mr Walton’s previous role is now vacant for a new candidate.

She said: “Legally we don’t have to call a by-election, there is just a vacancy.”

Mr Walton was unavailable for comment.