A by-election has been called following the resignation of a parish councillor.

Gavin Chambers,36, stood down from Buckhurst Hill Parish Council on April 1 to devote more time to other commitments.

Cllr Chambers was first elected to Buckhurst Hill Parish Council in 2009 and was chairman in 2012-2013 when he initiated the council’s move to Buckhurst Hill Library.

As well as serving on the parish council, Cllr Chambers is a Conservative councillor for Buckhurst Hill West on Epping Forest District Council.

He is also a governor at Buckhurst Hill Community Primary School in Lower Queens Road and a member of the board for the Friends of the Royal London Hospital.

He said: “Things have simply moved on in my life and standing down at election time is the right way to do it.”

Council chairman Aniket Patel said “I was saddened when Gavin told me that he was intending to resign but I am aware of the other pressures he faces and fully understand his decision.

“He has been a hard working councillor and as chairman he brought stability to a newly-elected council.

“I and my fellow councillors wish him every success for the future.”

A by-election will now be held in Buckhurst Hill West on May 22, alongside district council and European elections.