A Norfolk town council has experienced its third resignation in under a month, with the departure of its former mayor announced this week.

Hilary Bushell, 75, said she was stepping down after six years on Dereham Town Council for “personal reasons”, but that she had “thoroughly enjoyed” her time as a town councillor.

Ms Bushell said: “It’s been a privilege to serve the community of Dereham on the council, because they have been first-class. I wish my fellow councillors and staff a good future.”

“It took me a long time to make the decision... and I’m sad in many ways to be going, but I have to do what’s right for me,” said Ms Bushell, who confirmed that she would continue to represent Toftwood residents on Breckland District Council.

Ms Bushell, who served as mayor for 2017 to 2019, said that particular highlights from her time on the town council included ringing the bells from St Nicholas Church’s belltower, and learning about what it’s like to be blind with the Guide Dogs Association.

Dereham Times: Dereham's then-mayor Hilary Bushell was blindfolded and walked through the streets of Dereham by Guide Dogs county engagement worker Helen Sismore in 2018.Dereham's then-mayor Hilary Bushell was blindfolded and walked through the streets of Dereham by Guide Dogs county engagement worker Helen Sismore in 2018. (Image: Archant 2018)

She added that the latter experience had shown her some of the problems with access in the town for the blind and disabled, and she intended to continue pursuing the issue at district level.

Ms Bushell is believed to be the only mayor in the council’s history who served two consecutive terms in the office, and she said it was “brilliant to sing the praises of Dereham” during that time.

As mayor, Ms Bushell donated a portion of her civic events allowance to charitable causes in the town, working especially closely with the mental health charity Mind in her first year, and with the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund in her second.

Town clerk Tony Needham will officially post notice of her resignation on Wednesday, triggering a period of 14 working days in which electors in Dereham Neatherd can request that a by-election be called to replace Ms Bushell.

If fewer than 10 requests are received by March 16, the town council will co-opt a new councillor - as it intends to do following the twin resignations of Alan and Kay Gray, and the subsequent lack of interest from voters in holding by-elections.