A Tenby councillor resigned this week after learning that an investigation into his conduct by the Public Services Ombudsman could continue for some time.

Clr. Mike Thorne told his colleagues at Tuesday night's meeting of the town council that the lengthy investigation following complaints to the Ombudsman by five members of the council alleging that he had breached the Code of Conduct for councillors had placed him in a very "difficult position" and had prevented him from discussing planning matters in the council chamber, and would continue to do so while the investigation continued.

He explained that correspondence received by the town clerk from the Ombudsman requesting copies of the minutes of council meetings for a whole year had clearly indicated that the investigation would take some time yet.

Clr. Thorne also said that there had been virtually no substantive replies to the letters he had written himself to the Ombudsman during the last three months, where he had vigorously responded to the complaints made, stating that they were without foundation.

"When I stood for the town council nearly two years ago, I did so in the belief that my extensive experience, over nearly 30 years, as a planning officer in local government, and my experience of serving on committees and working in voluntary organisations would stand me in good stead and be of some benefit to the community of Tenby," said Clr. Thorne.

"However, on discussions on all planning matters, I am barred from taking part like other elected representatives around this table, because of the Ombudsman investigation, for as long as that continues, and that will be very frustrating," he explained.

Clr. Thorne went on to say that sitting on the town council had been a profoundly disappointing and frustrating experience, and that his resignation would ensure that there would be "one less sane voice" around the table when he left.

"The meetings have been characterised by conflict and confrontation, and a lack of respect for fellow members. The evident lack of preparation by members for the meetings inevitably leads to a poor standard of debate and poor decision-making.

"The town council is essentially a dysfunctional body, and even if the Ombudsman found in my favour, I would not be optimistic that that would change," he continued, stating that he believed only a few small achievements had been made over the last two years, some of which he had made a small contribution to.

"I am disappointed, but I have concluded that I was able to make a more meaningful contribution to my community before I became a councillor.

"There are people in this town who will say that I have given in to the 'forces of darkness', or the coven as some people call them. That is a pity, but I have concluded that I will be a happier and more fulfilled person by not being a member of this Tenby Town Council," concluded Clr. Thorne, who offered his sincerest apologies to those who voted for him in 2008, and all those citizens who over the last two years had given him unsolicited and positive feedback.

Following Clr. Thorne's statement and exit from the chamber, members accepted his resignation and the town clerk said that preparations would be made to announce a casual vacancy on the council.