A POSSIBLE election in Pembroke Dock’s Market Ward would give local ‘experts’ a chance to have their say on town council business, members heard.

The 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.

At the January 11 meeting, members heard the casual vacancy for the town’s Market Ward would be advertised until January 31, with the position either filled by co-option, or by an election if 10 signatures requesting one were received from within the ward.

Interim Clerk Amanda Dillaway added: “…at which point we will be advised by Electoral Services at Pembrokeshire County Council whether or not here will be an election.”

The cost of the election would be met by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Councillor Tony Wilcox said: “I think it’s healthy to have an election, especially if we don’t have to pay for it. I think it would be a hotly-contested race, there’s plenty of ‘experts’ in Pembroke Dock, they should either put up or shut up.”

Members heard the-then Cllr McNaughton had presented a cheque for £200 to the Anchorage Social Activity Centre at Commercial Row, Pembroke Dock, from funds raised during her term of office.

Written requests for an election may be made to The Returning Officer, Pembrokeshire County council, electoral Services, 1 Cherry Grove, Haverfordwest, SA61 1NZ.