A Vale of White Horse district councillor has resigned with immediate effect.

Richard Argles, Conservative member for Craven ward which covers the Uffington area, cited "personal reasons".

As there are less than six months to districtwide elections next May, there will be no by-election.

Mr Argles, who lives in Swindon, became a councillor in May 1999 and was appointed deputy leader of the Conservative group six months ago.

Conservative group leader Melinda Tilley said he was finding it difficult to combine running a business in London with council duties.

He had chosen to resign rather than continue to collect his allowance from the district council when he was spending very little time living in the Vale, she added.

"It is a great shame that Richard has had to resign, although I understand his reasons. He will be sorely missed," she said.

When contacted by the Oxford Mail, Mr Argles confirmed he had resigned for personal reasons but refused to elaborate.

He will be replaced as Conservative group deputy leader by Shippon member David Calvert.

Craven ward residents who need to talk to a conservative councillor should call Rosemary Packer on 01367 710445 or Tommy Thompson, on 01367 240418.