Just a month after donning the scarlet robes of office, Mayor of Narberth, county councillor Wynne Evans, has dramatically resigned.

The shock announcement was made at Tuesday night's monthly meeting of the town council when an open letter from Clr. Evans, informing members of his decision to stand down as First Citizen and as a member of the town council with immediate effect, was read in his absence by Clr. Henry Langen.

Clr. Evans, who was elected at May's traditional mayor-making ceremony, said he had found himself in an 'intolerable' position as both Mayor and the town's representative on Pembrokeshire County Council, but felt he was making the 'right decision' for the benefit of the community.

Clr. Evans's reign as Mayor comes to an end a month before the planned Civic Service and Luncheon and is possibly the shortest ever in local government circles.

"I thought I could manage the town council role and that of county councillor, as well as much community work, but sadly, it has been impossible to separate these roles," said 46-year-old Clr. Evans.

"If members can remember the last mid-month meeting, when there were three items on the agenda, I could not take part in the debate or decision making because of county committees I sit on," he explained.

"This is a most intolerable position for a Mayor to find themselves in. With a number of major issues and challenges facing the town in the next 12-14 months, I feel I can be far more effective and outspoken for the benefit of the community in the remaining 23 months of my county council role.

"Narberth is a vibrant and pro-active town, but has problems that need to be addressed and as I will no longer be a member of the town council, this will enable me to be totally outspoken and critical on these three important issues."

Clr. Evans, who first joined the town council 17 years ago, also informed members that he would no longer be attending any of their meetings because he was enrolling on a further education course that took place on two evenings a week.

"However, I will choose a link councillor shortly who I will liaise with once a month so that we can all work together for the same goal, that of making Narberth an even better place to live," said Clr. Evans, who will be continuing his monthly surgeries, which he says have proved 'most successful' in dealing with individual needs.

Clr. Evans, who became a member of the county authority nearly two years ago, continued: "You have an excellent Deputy Mayor in Clr. Mrs. Elizabeth Rogers who has the enthusiasm and charisma to take this new role in her stride.

"May I also thank my Mayoress, Mrs. Denise Rigby. We have attended a number of events together and she has represented the town with great pride and humility.

Clr. Evans concluded: "It has indeed been a pleasure to work with so many town councillors over a great many years and enjoying so many happy moments together. I hope you all understand that it is easier to stand down now, just a few weeks into the year, than later on."

Councillors stunned

Clr. Evans's decision stunned fellow councillors, who were unaware of it until the meeting. "It is a great shame," said Clr. Mrs. Val Bradley. "It is a tragic set of circumstances. We must thank Clr. Evans for all he has done.

"It is very unfair," said Clr. Eric Feetham. "This council must rally together and support Clr. Evans in his resignation and carry on with the business and commitments," said Clr. Henry Langen.

Clr. Mrs. Sue Rees asked Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Elizabeth Rogers if she wished to take on the job or stay as deputy until next year.

"My family are fully prepared for next year; I will have to take this back to them," she replied.

"We must go forward in unity and support Wynne as our county councillor," commented Clr. Colin Williams.

"This can't be decided easily. It has knocked everybody for six," said Clr. Mrs. Rees, who also suggested that, although they acknowledged he could not continue with the Mayoral role, the council ask Clr. Evans to reconsider his resignation from the town council.

Emergency meeting

It was therefore decided to call an emergency meeting for last (Thursday) night, when a new Mayor would be elected.