One of Grantham's leading district councillors has quit South Kesteven District Council, citing work commitments.

Helen Goral was first elected in 2015, becoming a cabinet member in 2017, as the district council embarked under a period of momentous change under former leader Matthew Lee.

Who better to serve as cabinet member for communications and engagement than an experienced marketeer and communications professional?

However, as a busy mum of two, work commitments got in the way of a successful council career, something which led the 42-year-old to leave the cabinet last year, where her last cabinet role had later expanded to cover 'growth'.

Experienced in sales, marketing, and communications, Helen is now Senior Account Director for MPC, a PR company which specialises in housing and planning issues.

Born-and-raised Buckinghamshire, Helen came to Grantham 15 years ago, with previous jobs including marketing manager for aUK, a hair, beauty and health salon, based at the Old Malthouse, Commercial Road, Grantham.

In 2013, Helen also volunteered as a board member for the Grantham Community Heritage Association, which runs Grantham Museum, and became its PR director and chairman.

She was and is a strong supporter of Margaret Thatcher and was deeply involved in efforts for Grantham to secure a statue to honour Britain's iconic first woman Prime Minister, gaining national coverage in her work, as she also sought to put the museum on the town's map and secure its future.

However, today South Kesteven District Council announced the resignation of the popular and capable councillor, who serves Grantham Arnoldfield with town mayor Dean Ward.

Helen told Nub News: "It felt like the right time to step down to give [it to] somebody with more time to serve the residents better.

"Councillor duties really are demanding. It's difficult too because a full-time job and children and everything else that goes with it it.

"I have managed quite well with it, but it's increasingly difficult. It's probably a good time for someone else to take the reins."

Looking back at her time with SKDC as a councillor, Helen said: "I have enjoyed supporting the administration. I have enjoyed helping residents with various issues. I wish [council leader] Kelham [Cooke] all the best.

And looking to next month's by-election, and a successor, Helen added: "Every councillor carves out their own role and serves their ward in a way they see fit. Part of the role of a councillor is to ensure you are available to residents and have the opportunity to solve their problems on their behalf."

As Nub News reported earlier today, the by-election is to be held on Thursday October 28, along with one in Stamford following the sad death of district councillor Mike Exton. By-elections will also fill a couple of vacancies on Stamford Town Council on the same date.