TWO Labour district councillors have withdrawn their joint-resignation letter following talks with the party's leadership.

Councillor Roger Sanders (Uplands) and Cllr Karon Cross (Cainscross) sent an email to the authority's leader Geoff Wheeler informing him of their decision to resign the party whip two weeks ago.

The pair were said to be unhappy about a number of issues, including changes to sheltered housing services and being asked to pay more from their council allowances to fund the work of a constituency organiser.

However, following negotiations with senior figures in the Labour hierarchy, both councillors are now believed to have committed their future to the party.

Another councillor, Mark Rees, who also appeared to be on the brink of resigning has said he too will remain with the Labour group on SDC after successful talks with the party's leadership.

Cllr Rees was left disappointed after Labour colleagues snubbed his bid for the council's chairmanship and opted instead to support the Lib Dem candidate Dennis Andrewartha.

But a line has now been drawn under the matter, he said, after he held face-to-face talks with fellow district councillors Geoff Wheeler and David Drew.

"We had a good discussion and they explained to me the reasons why they backed Dennis for the chairmanship," said Cllr Rees.

"We acknowledged faults on both sides and shook hands so we move on from this and it will be business as usual from now on. I am pleased to be back on board."

Labour leader Geoff Wheeler said the negotiations had resulted in a 'satisfactory outcome'.

Cllr Roger Sanders said: "I feel we reached a fair and amicable agreement. From now on the contribution for the party organiser will be made on a voluntary basis, meaning people will only pay what they can afford to."