A town councillor has resigned after only two months in office 'to protect her mental health'.

Melissa Clements who topped the polls for Sandwich South in a by-election in February, is citing an "organised campaign of abuse" - much of it on social media - for her departure.

She stood as an Independent associated with Sandwich Matters - a group formed last autumn following concerns about the management of Sandwich Town Council.

The mother-of-five claims to have faced hostility from people, particularly on social media.

She was forced to take action, a statement suggests, after her home address was published online, leaving her and her family feeling vulnerable.

She has chosen not to comment personally but directed KentOnline to Sandwich Matters.

A statement released by the group said: "We can confirm that Melissa Clements has resigned as a councillor.

'Mel has resigned in order to protect her mental and physical health and to ensure the safety of her family'

"Since her election in February, endorsed by Sandwich Matters, Melissa has been doing good work in the town, helping with the Sandwich Pantry, with school uniforms, supporting the re-opening of the Phoenix Centre and in trying to improve bus services in Sandwich South.

"Mel has resigned in order to protect her mental and physical health and to ensure the safety of her family.

"There is no doubt that Mel has been subject to an organised campaign of abuse but the final straw was her home address being splashed all over social media by people who were hostile to her, to her family and to Sandwich Matters.

"We thank Mel for her contribution and we will continue with our programme to seek reforms in the way that Sandwich Town Council is run."

The Mayor of Sandwich, Cllr Paul Graeme has confirmed receipt of Ms Clements resignation by email, although he says no reference was made in regards to claims of abuse.

KentOnline approached Dover District Council in regards to complaints to the Monitoring Officer but the authority said it was unable to comment as these matters would be dealt with confidentially.

Sandwich Town Council has suffered various resignations in recent months, with four councillors departing in one week, in November 2021.

Labour's David Wood was the first to leave office over "serious differences" with the Conservative leadership group "over fairness, good governance and ultimately core democratic principles."

Conservatives Bill Staple, Tony Broun and Clare Felton then gave up their seats. These were all thought to be for personal reasons.

This prompted a by-election in February where all four vacant seats were won by Independent candidates.

Reacting at the time, one of the new councillors, Clare Ungerson, said: "The people heard what we were saying about the need for transparency from the town council and an end to party politics and secret deals.

"We now have a real mandate to implement change."