SHROPSHIRE councillor Joyce Barrow has stepped down from her role as cabinet member.

Cllr Barrow, who represents St Oswald’s ward, took on the Cabinet role in 2017 and has now decided to step down in favour of a role which is less time consuming.

She left the position on Wednesday, February 6 and will now take imminently start work on the Places Scrutiny Committee.

Cllr Barrow’s noted personal reasons for her departure from the post as a Cabinet member, and said she is “immensely proud” of the work done in her time as a member.

Cllr Barrow said: “It is now approaching two years since I took up my role as a member of the Cabinet.

“There have been too many highlights to mention here, but I am immensely proud of the services changes, innovations and improvements we have made during that time.

“I have always focussed on what I feel is right for the people and places we are here to serve, and my role has brought me into contact with a wide range of inspiring and creative people and businesses across Shropshire.

“The role of a Cabinet Member requires a full time focus and commitment and due to a senior member of my family being seriously ill and having four grandchildren, my commitments outside the council have increased.

“I have decided that the time has now come for me to rebalance my commitments. Therefore, I have notified the Leader and Cabinet colleagues that I will be standing down from my role.

“This has not been an easy decision to make and I fully intend to continue to play a full part in supporting the ambitious programme of activity we have developed and are implementing.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those officers and member colleagues who have supported me since taking office.

“We have achieved a great deal together and I look forward to working with the new Cabinet Member.”

Cllr Barrow added she still wants to play an important role on the council, but in a post which is less time-consuming.