A LONGSTANDING Colchester Councillor has made the decision to step down as he only has “five to six months” left to live due to a terminal illness.

Tiptree ward Councillor Roger Mannion has sadly announced he his stepping down from his role due to a non-treatable brain tumour.

The popular councillor has lived in Tiptree for more than 18 years ago with his partner and has spent more than 11 years on Tiptree Parish Council before becoming its chairman in 2019 until 2022.

Mr Mannion is also a royal navy veteran.

Last Wednesday, September 18, Mr Mannion posted a Facebook post apologising that he has not been able to “provide the attention” he normally does for the village and his Facebook page.

He then explained that his cancer diagnosis is now terminal with “probably around five to six months” left.

Mr Mannion said: “I have been fighting this wretched disease for nearly five years with some success.

“However, I have now got a brain tumour which is no longer treatable, my consultant oncologist has effectively advised me that he is unable to do more.

“Consequently, I will be stepping down from my position of Tiptree City Councillor, the timing and mechanism of how and when will very much depend on the Witham Conservative Association.

“I will of course keep residents advised but it is unlikely to be in the very immediate time frame.”

Mr Mannion added in his Facebook statement: “Can I thank you all for the support and kindness shown to me over the past years.

“Please be assured that the two current councillors will continue to provide strong support and assistance to all residents.”