AN Oldham Conservative councillor has resigned from her position after less than a year "due to work commitments", it has been revealed.

Chairman of the borough party, Sajjad Hussain, confirmed yesterday, Tuesday, that Cllr Sahr Abid, who represented Medlock Vale, was stepping down from her role.

He has expressed his "disappointment" and believes her seat should be contested on the same day as the local elections on Thursday, May 5.

In a statement, Mr Hussain said: "Ms Sahr Abid has informed Oldham Council that she has resigned her seat for the Medlock Vale ward on Oldham Council.

"I have been advised that due to work commitments she is no longer able to commit the time needed to be a councillor on Oldham Metropolitan Borough council.

“While it is disappointing that she can no longer continue as a councillor for Medlock Vale ward, we believe that an election should take place on the same day as the May 5th elections."

During her time as a councillor, Cllr Abid spoke out about concerns about the Northern Roots urban farm project.

In a meeting last July, she said: "While this project sounds like an exciting and ambitious prospect we must ask ourselves is this something our town needs?

“From the nurse to the humble taxi driver we have all been affected by a pandemic many people in Oldham are completely unaware of this project and how it will benefit them, what will taxpayers get from this project?“

In response, council leader, Cllr Arooj Shah said the Northern Roots plan was a "fantastic ambitious project".

She added: “These projects aren’t about building shiny buildings, they’re about changing the direction of our tow so that it’s one where people can live good lives, earn a decent wage and get on in life.”

An Oldham Council spokesman added: “We can confirm the resignation of Conservative councillor Sahr Abid of Medlock Vale Ward, which was submitted to the council yesterday, Tuesday."

The announcement about Cllr Abid, who won her seat less May, resigning comes ahead of a full council meeting this evening, Wednesday.