A Wantage town councillor, who has worked for the Conservatives since 1945, is standing down because of a "difference of opinion" with the party.

John Coates, 76, has served as a town and district councillor for nearly 40 years.

In his resignation letter, he said: "My reason is quite simple really. I was elected under the Conservative banner at the last election, but, as I have decided not to continue my membership of the Conservative Party, I feel it would be totally wrong, as a matter of principle, to continue holding that seat as an independent.

"I shall miss being a councillor -- it has indeed become a way of life -- and I have many happy memories."

Mr Coates refused to elaborate on the reasons for his resignation from the party, but added: "I'm a bit sad because no-one's come to say, 'thanks for what you've done and the service you've given'. After all those years, you see that you're just expendable."

Mr Coates was elected to Wantage Rural District Council in 1965, representing West Hanney and then Grove. In 1972, he became a founder member of the Vale of White Horse District Council and moved to Wantage in 1976, where he was elected to both the district and town councils.

He is known for producing the newsletter Alfred's Watchdog, which aimed to keep young people informed about the town council.

He stopped his duties for a short period because of sight problems, but returned to Wantage Town Council at the last election.

Wantage Conservative Association chairman John Griffiths said: "On behalf of the association, we're very sorry that John has resigned as a town councillor because John and his wife May have done so much for Wantage over the years.

"I'm personally very sorry because, as a relatively new chairman, I've relied on John's advice a lot over the last few months."

Mr Coates' resignation leaves three Conservatives on Wantage Town Council.

It is unlikely that a by-election will be held before the elections next May, but councillors will discuss the possibility of co-opting a replacement on December 16.