TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Rhyl town councillor who had served as mayor.

Bill Tasker died peacefully at his home in Bryn Cwnin Road, Rhyl, on June 3 after a short illness. He was aged 72.

Mr Tasker, who was partner to serving councillor Pete Prendergast, was elected to Rhyl Town Council in May 2008 and served for nine years until 2017 becoming an 'established and well respected' councillor.

During this time he took on the entrusted role of mayor of Rhyl during May 2012 and May 2013.

He served on Denbighshire County Council between 2012 and May 2017.

Whilst on the council he served on the Planning Committee, Partnerships Scrutiny Committee and SACRE (Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education).

Cllr Meirick Lloyd Davies, chairman of Denbighshire County Council, said: “We were saddened to hear of Bill’s death. Bill was a great ambassador for Rhyl and worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of his ward and made a great contribution to the work of the council county-wide.

“He was the chairman’s consort in more recent times and played an extremely supportive role in representing Denbighshire at many civic events.

“We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Peter and the family on their loss.”

Cllr Ellie Chard, current mayor of Rhyl, said: "It was a pleasure to serve alongside Bill during his time with the council.

"He generously gave his time to guide newly elected councillors on behalf of us all my deepest condolences to his family”.

A spokesperson from Rhyl Town Council added: "Bill believed passionately in uniting the community of Rhyl and although he battled with ill health over recent years this ethos always remained throughout his time as a councillor. This was reflected in his professional life dedicating his career to caring for the local community working in the NHS until his retirement.

"He will be remembered by the council as a gentleman, with a glint in his eye and a humorous outlook on life. He will be greatly missed by the council and sympathy is expressed to his partner and serving councillor Pete Prendergast."

Mr Tasker was described as a ‘great’ supporter of Rhyl RNLI.

A spokesperson for Rhyl Lifeboat said: “Everyone at RNLI Rhyl was saddened to hear of the passing of cllr Bill Tasker.

“Bill was a great supporter of RNLI Rhyl, choosing us as one of his charities during his tenure as Rhyl Mayor.”

Rhyl Coastguard Rescue Team also paid tribute to Mr Tasker.

David Lee, Rhyl Coastguard Officer and former Town and County Councillor, said. “During the period that I had the pleasure of serving with Bill on Rhyl Town Council, I always found him to be a man of strong principle, who always had the interest of his residents foremost.

“He was passionate about the The Town of Rhyl and will be greatly missed in the community, and by all of us.”

Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, a private service will be held at Rhuddlan Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Bill will be gratefully received towards the Rhyl Lifeboat Crew Fund and can be

forwarded to the funeral directors, Ivor Howatson and Son in Rhyl.