LABOUR councillor Harry Shaw has made an emotional decision to resign his post to concentrate on caring for his wife.

Clr Shaw, a borough councillor for Penketh and Cuerdley, made the announcement at the Labour Party selection meeting on Monday but formally resigned last week.

His decision to resign as a councillor comes as he looks to dedicate his time to caring for his wife, Maureen, who suffered a stroke in October of last year which has left her partially paralysed.

Clr Shaw said: "There is not a lot she can do and she needs virtually 24-hour care. We are hoping it is not going to be permanent but she could be a long while recovering.

"I thought it was totally unfair to hold a position with responsibilities and not be able to meet them, so I have made the decision to resign to concentrate on being with my wife.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the council and am saddened to have to leave but circumstances have dictated otherwise."

He went on to say that he would not rule out returning to work as a councillor, but would not speculate on when that might be.

The move ends Clr Shaw's 18-year council career, which saw him involved in the creation of the direct services department and Business Connections which has now become an international event.

His swan song was his work as chairman of the borough's education and lifelong learning committee, a post he held since 1998.