THE man who led a parish council back from the brink of collapse has stepped down from his post.

Pat Wright took control of Whiteley Parish Council when five councillors stepped down over a row about Meadowside skatepark.

Leading a depleted council, he managed to build it up and turn it into a strong campaigning force.

The parish council was originally formed in 2003. It was in November 2004 that the councillors stepped down after plans for a proposed skatepark on the recreation grounds were thrown out.

It was alleged that four of them had failed to declare a prejudicial interest during a vote because they owned land next door to the site. They were all found to have breached the national code of conduct but no action was taken against them.

Mr Wright said: "I believe that after the five councillors stepped down we needed to steady the ship and give it some sort of continuity. I believe we are now in a much stronger position and there isn't the same bickering that there was in the past. But I think I have taken the council as far as I can and wanted to hand over control."

Mike Evans has been become the new chairman and is currently tackling Hampshire County Council over the site for a new primary school.

The parish council wants it built on vacant farmland in north Whiteley, while the county council wants to build on Meadowside Recreation Ground.

Mr Wright added: "This is a matter that still isn't finished and Mike will have his hands full."