IN yet another U-turn, councillors who said they would withdraw their resignations, have now left Ashwell Parish Council. After standing down from their roles in October, David Price and Christopher Schwick said they would return to the parish council. H

IN yet another U-turn, councillors who said they would withdraw their resignations, have now left Ashwell Parish Council. After standing down from their roles in October, David Price and Christopher Schwick said they would return to the parish council. However, they failed to put their names forward for a by-election which was due to be held later this month. Parish council chairman David Short said: "They didn't put their names forward, they decided not to. I don't know why, they've been away so I haven't had the chance to speak to them." The pair's decision not to stand has come after months of council controversy which culminated in the co-option of new member William Fletcher. The pair fiercely criticised the parish council for the co-option of Mr Fletcher as members were not informed of all the people who were interested in standing for election. The council was also divided over concerns that Cllr Fletcher is the nephew of councillors Fergus Moynihan and Sarah Talks - a fact that was not made clear to members. At the same time Cllr Price and Cllr Schwick handed in their resignations, Cllr Peter Long quit. However, he never expressed any intention of rejoining the council. In December, Cllr Long told The Crow: "As far as I'm concerned, nothing has changed." The by-election was set to take place on January 26, but after only two candidates put their names forward for three vacancies, the nominees will be co-opted. Barnaby Shergold and Richard Young will become members of the parish council at its meeting on February 1. Cllr Short said: "They attended the meeting last week, but obviously they couldn't take part as councillors.