A TWO-WAY battle for the electoral seat of Pembroke Dock’s former mayor is taking place this Thursday, March 22.

The Market Ward vacancy follows the resignation late last year of then-then mayor Cllr Jane McNaughton.

Cllr McNaughton has made her surprise resignation in November, both as mayor and as a town councillor, due to what she sees as constant pressure from two opposing camps within the town council over the issue of dealing with alleged bullying of staff.

Terry Wayne Judkins, of Bush Street, and Phil McFadden of Queen Street, will contest the Market Ward seat for the March 22 election.

The election will take place at the St Johns Community Hall polling station.

Local businessman Terry Judkins, who runs the town’s post office, and is also a member of the town team, said: “As a local businessman living in our town I feel it is extremely important to be involved with the community, I attend every town council meeting; I will use my business knowledge to ensure ‘our money’ is invested wisely and used to benefit our town and the people who live here, along with promoting tourism, making our town a better place to live.”

He also promises restore social events in the town and “bring transparency to the management of the Pater Hall”.

Art therapist Phil McFadden, who is also on the Pembrokeshire Road Safety Forum and the Motorcycle Action Group, is standing as a Welsh Labour candidate.

Mr McFadden, who lives in the town with his wife Berry, and the youngest of his three children, has promised to help ensure the town’s historic assets stay in community ownership, and the Memorial Park is returned to its former glory.

He stated: “If you elect me, I promise I will take on board your ideas, listen to your concerns, and work hard for all the people of Pembroke Dock.”

He added: “Instead of wasting money on pomp, I will make sure the council supports community projects that improve the town, reduce litter and dog mess and make it a better place to live and work.”