Two new members have been co-opted to sit on the town council in Tenby.

After receiving seven applications for the vacancies, following the resignations last year of councillors Mrs. Trisha Putwain and Hayden Johns, members of the town council held a ‘secret ballot’ at their meeting on Tuesday night to vote in the candidates.

“Having had a lot of apathy over the years, it’s lovely to see seven applicants for two seats,” Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, told her colleagues.

After reading correspondence from each of the candidates, members voted in Mrs. Sarah Williams, of Upper Park Road, and Ben James, of Upper Hill Park.

Mrs. Williams explained that she was born and bred in the town, and a partner in the family run Park Road Fish and Chip Shop business, that had been trading in Tenby circa 1938.

“I know from personal experience that the power of people working together can make change, as I was involved a few years ago in the campaign to retain the local allotments,” she wrote.

Mr. James, who has worked as an IT technician at Greenhill School for the past 12 years, said he considered himself to be very much in touch with the community both in and surrounding the town.

“I have just received my long service badge after serving the last 20 years as a crew member of Tenby Lifeboat - something which I’m hoping to do for at least the next 20 years,” he explained.

“During just my time at the station, we’ve forged many links with the town council, not least of which is the increasingly popular Christmas launch with the Mayor to pick up Father Christmas before delivering him to the Square to switch on the festive lights,” added Mr. James, who in August also took over the role of Tenby Lifeboat press officer.

Clr. Laurence Blackhall asked if letters could go to those candidates who had been unsuccessful, to thank them for their interest.