Fife councillor David Mogg has decided to retire from the local authority.
This prompts a by-election for his Dunfermline North seat which will be held on Thursday November 26, the same day as the by-election in Rosyth brought about by the resignation of new SNP Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman.
Townhill Community Council paid tribute to the many projects he enthusiastically supported and Councillor Helen Law added his influence on local improvements was apparent to all visitors and locals.
She added Mr Mogg, who was first elected in 2007 for the SNP, would be sadly missed on the City of Dunfermline committee.
She said he was thoughtful, intelligent and with a sense of humour and someone who always made valuable contributions.
“He will be missed and I wish him well for the future, I enjoyed working with him,” the committee chairwoman added, also paying tribute to his wife, Lizz, who is also a former councillor.
Mr Mogg praised the efficiency and quality of local council officers.
He added the committee was “not all I would have wanted it to be” and felt it could have been a little less tribal and a little more Dunfermline-focused.
“Instead of playing politics, let’s try to be Dunfermline champions first and put party politics second,” he said, wishing officers and councillors well.
Fife Council has urged people living in the two wards to ensure they are registered to vote.
Electoral registration officer Linda Bissett said: “It is important that local residents make sure they can take part.”
She stressed for those who have recently moved house it was important they are registered at their new address.
“The earlier you register to vote and apply for a postal or proxy vote, the quicker we will be able to process your application to make sure that you can vote in a way that suits you.”
Residents can find out more about how to register and vote on www.fifedirect.org.ukor 03451 555511.