RESIDENTS have welcomed the decision to hold an extraordinary meeting of the town council, following the shock resignation of council chairman David Allworth.

Peter Thompson, chairman of Risborough Area Residents' Association, said the meeting was necessary for residents and town councillors to get together.

He said the town council needed to back it up by listening to town members and heeding complaints.

Mr Thompson said: "That is good news and part of the working of democracy."

He also paid tribute to David Allworth, who resigned as chairman of the town council, following his conduct at the annual town meeting on May 24.

But Mr Thompson added that his resignation was necessary.

Residents at the town meeting had been furious at the lack of time given to questions at the end of the meeting.

They had wanted to discuss the 48 per cent rise in the town council's share of the council tax and the proposed skate facility in King George V playing fields. Eight minutes were given for questions.

The new vice-chairman of Princes Risborough Town Council, Gary Hall, said the extraordinary meeting was needed to restore credibility to the council.

At a meeting of Princes Risborough Town Council on May 29, Cllr Hall said the extraordinary meeting would give residents the chance to ask councillors about the proposed skate facility and the need for a new meeting place for the council.

He said: "I think this council has lost a lot of credibility. We've set out our argument in the most appalling way. Most people think we've done this for our own comfort."

The town council had set aside £35,000 for new council premises but the money is now in reserve for next year's budget.

The council needs a new building to meet in because disabled access is required by law and the present Market Square building can only accommodate 18 people.

The equipment for the skate facility has already been ordered.

The meeting is at the community centre, Stratton Road, on June 19 at 7.30pm, chaired by new chairman John Coombs.