A WIRRAL Liberal Democrat councillor has resigned because of work commitments outside the council.

Sarah Quinn, who represented Pensby and Thingwall for three years, announced her decision to leave the role, with immediate effect, on Wednesday. Her successor will be elected on May 6.

Sarah, who lives in Hoylake and is a senior manager in the NHS, said she was no longer able to balance her commitments as councillor with her career.

She said: "I have been very proud to be a councillor over the last three years, not only representing the people of Pensby and Thingwall, but also as a member of the Liberal Democrat Group, which has delivered a great deal of achievements as part of the joint administration at the council.

"I have worked hard to represent residents on several important planning applications and with the local police to reduce antisocial behaviour and speeding on roads throughout the ward and also continually striving to improve the streetscene across the ward, although there is still much more to do.

"Following the reorganisation of Primary Schools in Pensby I am most proud of the fact that I lobbied to secure funding for a new build Primary School which I hope will be complete by 2012.

"On the council I have undertaken scrutiny of the call centre, the benefits team and the Council’s finances and performance.

"This year I have overseen the appointment of several senior council officers and the Human Resources function of the council as a spokesperson on the Employment and Appointments Committee.

"Finally I would like to thank the people of Pensby and Thingwall for supporting me over the last three years, choosing me to represent their interests in the Town Hall and welcoming me so warmly into their community."

The Leader of Wirral's Liberal Democrats group, Cllr Simon Holbrook, said: "We have been very fortunate to have had Sarah in the Liberal Democrat Group and I recognise that this cannot have been an easy decision for her to make.

"She has made a big impact in the three years that she has been with us.

"On behalf of the whole Group, I would like to thank her wholeheartedly for the work she has done and the support she has given. Knowing Sarah as I do, I am sure she has a very bright future ahead of her in the NHS."