Former Welshpool town councillor John Morgan praised for service

Dr John Morgan resigned from Welshpool Town Council earlier this month to avoid a conflict of interest with a charity trust of which he is chairman.

Dr Morgan was a ward councillor for Llanerchyddol in Welshpool for six years, but handed in his resignation, saying he wanted to distance himself from the town council for the sake of the Burgesses Land Trust.

Members of Welshpool Town Council praised Dr Morgan on his decision.

Councillor Ann Holloway said: "John was a fantastic town councillor who would always speak his mind and have his own opinion.

"It did not matter who you were, John would always do his best for this town and this council and would speak up for himself.

"We all had our differences from time to time, but I admire him and wish him well."

Councillor Phil Pritchard added: "You always knew where you were with John and I wish him well."

Robert Robinson, town clerk, said he would now arrange for the vacancy to be advertised.

He added: "I think he has done quite an honourable thing and wish him well."

Councillor Morgan said at the time of his resignation that he did not want people to think he had a conflict of interests.

He said: "The town council administers the Burgesses Land Trust which was founded by Act of Parliament in 1761 and the original endowment of land was made in 1324, so nearly 700 years ago. The terms of the Act make it clear that money is to be spent on two objectives – to benefit the edifices of Welshpool Town Council and to look after the poor and needy of the town.

"Because the charity has been looked after by the town council we've particularly taken advice on its governance, but it's become more important as charity law has developed and people are doing things a lot differently to how they did things 300 years ago. It's apparent that the town council could, if it continued to manage the day-to-day business of the trust and grant itself money, be seen to act in a conflict of interests."