A Bath politician is taking a three-month break from his duties as he copes with depression.
Oldfield Park councillor Will Sandry says he has been battling with what he calls a depressive illness for the last six months.
The Liberal Democrat said he had stood aside temporarily to ensure people in his Oldfield ward got the best service.
He said: "I am proud that much has been achieved for Oldfield residents, including limiting the number of homes local homes that become homes in multiple occupation and improving the quality and safety of those homes which are in multiple occupancy amongst many other things.
"Regrettably over the past six months I have become unwell with a depressive illness following a number of life events; most recently the death of my father. I know that during that time I have not necessarily given every resident the benefit of the best response I would normally give, and I am sorry for that.
"As I have discovered, being a local councillor who lives on the patch, when you are unwell it can be difficult to separate being a councillor and being any other member of the community. I would have preferred to have kept this matter private; however I feel I owe an explanation to those who have put their trust in me.
"In consultation with my GP and the leader of the council I have concluded that I will take a formal leave of absence from the council for at least three months."
He has asked people to contact his fellow councillor David Dixon in the mean time.
Mr Sandry said he had found Mind's website - www.mind.org.uk, his GP and Sirona "invaluable in understanding my illness - from which I intend to make a full recovery."
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