Town board chair quits

THE chair of Dumfries Town Board has tendered his resignation to council officers, citing personal and professional reasons. Richie Nicoll says serving in the role for the last 18 months has been 'one of the greatest honours' of his professional life. In his resignation letter, Mr Nicoll, above, added: "We’ve built the foundations of something powerful, with a unique model that puts community first, works independently, and sets a new standard for what grassroots regeneration can and will look like. "As I step away mainly due to personal and professional priorities, I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved: a strong foundation, the start of an ambitious long-term vision, and a Board that has consistently shown its courage and resolve." He hopes his fellow board members will continue protecting the autonomy of the group and that it will remain a body led by the people of Dumfries, for the people of Dumfries. He said: "The voice of our town must always sit above party lines and away from external pressure to deliver projects because budgets have been cut. That voice is the reason this Board exists." And he has pledged to continue to champion the board's work from the sidelines and says he will remain in post until a replacement is appointed.