A TOWN councillor has resigned because of ill health and the council's decision to drop its bid for an old bank building.

Simon Nichols was 'disappointed' that councillors had not done more to buy the NatWest building, in Church Street, Malvern.

Mr Nichols stepped down from Malvern Town Council on Monday.

He said: "The NatWest decision I thought was very viable one. That building would not just be offices, it could have been a very good community asset.

"It wasn't a spur of the moment decision - although it seemed like it - to purchase it.

"The council didn't go back trying to get a lower price for restoration costs. I was very disappointed at that.

"I felt the minimum we could have done was make a counter offer. I was in hospital at the time.

"The health made it an easy decision [to resign]. I'm out of action until after Christmas."

Malvern Town Council backed out of the NatWest deal earlier this month after a surveyor's report revealed excessive repair and maintenance costs.

Mr Nichols said people underestimate the amount of work involved with being on the council.

He added that councillors were dedicated to improving Malvern and protecting the character of the town.

The councillor was co-opted onto the council in 2015.