Falkirk Councillor Lynda Kenna resigned on Tuesday just days after being given a fortnight by Falkirk Sheriff Court to repay £2000 she borrowed from a constituent.

Her political future is now being challenged and she is facing mounting pressure from Labour rivals to step down from local government completely.

Mrs Kenna (54) was due to appear in the small claims court last Wednesday.

According to legal papers she was loaned £2500 by Lyn Millree two years ago.

Since then the SNP councillor, who is convener of the committee that runs the fire service and was paid a salary of nearly £20,000 last year, has repaid £500 in seven instalments.

After the case, which Mrs Kenna did not attend, Miss Millree admitted: "I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. I'd lost faith. I'm epileptic and unemployed and this is a lot of money to me."

She claimed: "Lynda Kenna was a great help to me when I moved out of the home I shared with my partner. I was virtually homeless and as a constituent sought her advice.

''She helped me get a flat in Larbert, she even drove me when I had things like furniture to get for my new home. She didn't ask me for money, but there were hints, so I loaned her £2500. I wish I had never done it. I've been hurt by the breach of trust and had no option but to take her to court."

Mrs Kenna, who has represented Larbert and Stenhousemuir for nine years, is now under growing pressure from her political rivals to quit the town hall completely.

The leader of the Labour-led administration, Councillor Linda Gow, said: "She has clearly abused her position and should resign. If she does not, David Alexander, her group leader, should remove her from every committee she sits on."

Councillor Alan Nimmo, a Labour member of the fire board, added: "She has resigned from the board but now the right thing to do is resign from the council.

''This episode has brought her position on Falkirk Council into disrepute."

Mrs Kenna blamed "family issues" for her decision to step down from the fire board – but pledged her constituents in the Tryst and Kinnaird Ward will now get more of her time.

She said: "There are issues in my life more important than high office and these are the issues I must concentrate on. Everyone has times in their lives when family problems must be tackled and that agenda is my priority."

Councillor Alexander said: "No one I know has more passion for the fire service than Lynda, but I understand her family life must come first.
We will support her and continue to work as a team for the betterment of all within Falkirk district."