A "DEDICATED" and "passionate" councillor and current chair of Denbighshire County Council has died suddenly. 

Councillor Pete Prendergast died on Friday, September 22. 

Cllr Prendergast represented Rhyl's Cefndy ward and Rhyl Pendyffryn on Rhyl Town Council. He also served on Denbighshire County Council (Rhyl South West). 

He was chair of Denbighshire County Council for 2023 / 2024.

In a statement on Facebook, Rhyl Town Council said: "It is with huge sadness and shock that we announce the sudden passing of Councillor Pete Prendergast on Friday.

"Pete has represented the people of Rhyl's Cefndy Ward for over 11 years and has held a number of key positions within the Town Council's many working committees.

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"He was a dedicated and passionate councillor who gave his time willingly to so many projects both out of and within the Council Chamber, often being very much one of the driving forces. Pete was a caring and hard-working man who wanted to get things done for the benefit of his residents and for his fellow town councillors and for a town and town council that he loved.

"Pete will be missed by us all and our love and condolences go to his family and friends."

A spokesperson from Denbighshire County Council said: "Denbighshire County Council was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of the chair of the council, councillor Pete Prendergast. 

"Councillor Prendergast served as chair of the council for the 2017 - 2018 municipal year and was re-elected as chair in May of this year.  He had been Vice chair the previous year and had served as a county councillor, representing Rhyl South West, since March 2015."

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of Pete’s passing. He was such a kind and well-respected member of the Council and extremely well thought of by everyone who met him and worked alongside him.

“I know Pete really loved getting behind his local community to help out where he could in his role as a Councillor, he always helped with such kindness, compassion and care. Pete gave such positive support for Rhyl residents in his role, supporting many community groups and I know he really enjoyed doing more for groups across the county when he became our Chairman early this year.

“On behalf of the Council and Pete’s colleagues, we will miss him very much and we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this sad time.”

Cllr Prendergast's long term partner Bill Tasker sadly died in June 2020 after a short illness. Mr Tasker was elected to Rhyl Town Council in May 2008 and served for nine years.