A councillor has slammed a residents’ party in an explosive resignation letter, making accusations of bullying and rule breaking.

Resigning yesterday (February 1) with a letter to Ongar Town Council’s chairman James Browning, long-term independent councillor Sheila Jackman hit out at the Ongar Residents’ Association (ORA).

The majority-holding party, of which cllr. Browning is a member, was accused of ‘ignoring even the basic principles’ of council work by Ms Jackman.

She said: “It is with regret that I have made this decision but I can no longer work with a group of councillors who consistently flout the proper procedures.”

The former Chipping Ongar councillor claimed the ORA held meetings without the town clerk Aimi Middlehurst – contrary to a council decision – and brought proposals to meetings expecting immediate discussion, something which is not allowed.

She also said the ORA is “obsessed” by Jubilee Park in Love Lane, where the council controversially took over management of the Jubilee Pavilion sports club a year ago.

Ms Jackman said: “Given the amount of money that the council has had to spend to bring the Jubilee Pavilion up to the standards required, it was never expected to make a profit in the early stages of the town council’s management.

“No other council facilities - play areas, allotments, churchyard, cemetery, nature reserve, dog bins, bus shelters etc. - are expected to make a profit but are run for the benefit of local residents.”

ORA councillors were also accused of bullying by Ms Jackman.

She added: “ORA members should also consider their attitude at meetings which is invariably rude and aggressive and they should remember that the image projected has been noted by members of the public, who have expressed their dissatisfaction in no uncertain terms.

“Ongar does not deserve to have such an ineffective and negative town council and I would prefer not to be associated with it any longer.”

Ms Jackman’s position in the Chipping Ongar ward is already advertised as vacant on the council’s website.

The council and ORA chairman John Reynolds have been contacted for comment.