The political career of former Councillor and Mayor William Dougal was remembered by Councillors this week.

Barry Coleman, Leader of the Council paid tribute: “I served as Councillor for 15 years with Billy, and he was a conscientious ward Councillor.  He brought an air of quiet dignity to Council work, a quality that was very evident in his Mayoral year.”

William ‘Billy’ Dougal began his political career in 1979 as ward Councillor for Yarmouth South.  In 1980 he began a two year spell in Regent Ward before finally moving on to Claydon ward in 1984, his longest serving period as ward Councillor until he resigned in March 2003.

Shadow Leader for the Labour Group, Councillor Trevor Wainwright added: “When I first started out as a Councillor, Billy was a great help, giving me some very worthwhile help and advice and showing me the ropes in the early days, he will be sadly missed.”

During his time as Councillor Mr Dougal was a member of several committees and Vice-Chairman of Planning, Public Health & Environment, Housing and Works Management.

He also proudly became Mayor of the town in 1990.