MYSTERY surrounds the shock resignation of one of Frodsham's longest-serving town councillors.
Frank Pennington, an Independent councillor, who represented Frodsham's North ward for 27 years, has abandoned his seat, just weeks before he was due to become town mayor.
And the 69-year-old retired lorry driver has left fellow community leaders wondering about the reasons for his sudden departure.
In a short letter of resignation sent to town clerk Gill Birch, Mr Pennington simply said he had 'spoken to family and friends and came to the decision to resign from the town council.'
However, Mr Pennington - who was also a borough councillor between 1979 and 1995, and was elected the community's first mayor when Frodsham adopted town status 12 years ago - has hinted there was perhaps more behind his resignation than meets the eye.
'I don't want to go into it further now,' said Mr Pennington, who lives in Ashton Drive, Frodsham. 'All I can say is I'll tell why I've finished and what I think about the council and everything in a month's time.'
Mr Pennington's current year as deputy mayor of Frodsham was almost complete, and town mayor Graham Bondi said he was 'surprised by the move.'
'A councillor of his great experience and background knowledge will be missed by the council, and it's a bit of shame because he was due to become the next mayor.'
Town clerk Gill Birch said: 'The deputy mayor's position won't be filled immediately because a new mayor and deputy will be elected in May. But I have had to advertise the casual vacancy on the council. Cllr Pennington worked hard and will be missed.'
Written applications for co-option to the town council should be received by Ms Birch by April 15 and should be sent to Frodsham Town Council, Castle Park, Frodsham WA6 6SB.
