Tenby Town Council are on the look out for a new member, following the resignation of one the seaside town’s ‘finest councillors’.

Cllr Duncan Whitehurst who was elected onto the Town Council’s North ward at the May 2022 elections announced that he would be standing down this month, due to ill health.

Duncan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2011, but thanks to the NHS and research funded by charities like Parkinson’s UK he still has times when he can write songs, play guitar and sing - and along with his wife Rebecca has fundraised in the past for the charity, as retro folk beat combo The Lucky 12.

Speaking at Tenby Town Council’s meeting on December 10, Mayor, Cllr Dai Morgan told his colleagues that it was a ‘sad day’ with Cllr. Whitehurst announcing he had to stand down, as he’d always been a productive councillor, putting others first and showing great selflessness in the role.

“He will be sorely missed by all and is sincerely thanked for all his hard work,” said Cllr Morgan.

“Our doors are always open to him and I thank him for everything, both personally and professionally.”

Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said that Cllr Whitehurst had been an extremely proactive councillor, making a huge contribution to the town, in particular with his work in taking Welsh Water/Dŵr Cymru to task on issues that had arisen in recent times.

She felt that he was ‘irreplaceable’. “He has taken us further forward than anyone can understand,” she said.

“He has carried out an outstanding piece of work and I know he will continue, if possible,” concurred Cllr Laurence Blackhall, on his ‘meticulous research’ into Welsh Water matters concerning Tenby.

“What is less known is his work with the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network. The group struggled for a number of years after Covid. After his election to council he re-established connections with the Health Board and did a lot of leg work to revitalise this important forum.

“Cllr. Whitehurst has always shown understanding, intelligence, a deep-seated knowledge and friendship. Tenby has lost one of its finest councillors,

A ‘casual vacancy’ has now been advertised by the Town Council to fill the role for the North Ward.

County councillor for Tenby’s north ward, Cllr Michael Williams commented: “Duncan was a great example of a hard working committed councillor who diligently pursued Dŵr Cymru over their appalling neglect of the foul water system in Tenby. He carried out his role quietly and extremely effectively without any wish for endless self publicity.

“Just after his election he visited me and made it clear that Tenby was his absolute priority. I had hoped to meet him in the very near future specifically to see how we could bring further pressure to bear on Dŵr Cymru

“Duncan is a glowing example of what an effective Town Councillor could be, quiet, but incredibly effective.

“Thank you, Duncan, Tenby should be very grateful for your incredible hard work,” added Cllr Williams.