COUN Russell Caton has resigned from Kendal Town Council.

This week's council meeting heard he had not attended a council meeting since September 16 last year, which meant automatic disqualification under the Local Government Act.

In his letter of resignation, Coun Caton (pictured) sent his personal apologies to the council, and said his role as an adult numeracy teacher for the county had taken on "a new and unexpected dimension" since his election to the council 18 months ago.

His increasing workload had made attendance at council meetings and ward duties impossible.

A by-election is likely to be held in June.

Mayor of Kendal Avril Dobson told fellow council-lors: "Attendance has not been good this year at all, not only at council meetings but at civic occasions.

"I think if people make a commitment, they should stick to it.

"We've got some councillors who have not attended this year at all."