Youngest ever chairman takes up the reins at Midhurst

The election was held following the resignation of long standing town councillor John Etherington who left the council in a surprise move at the start of this month.

Mr Etherington who was the only town councillor left who had been chosen by voters in Midhurst, joined the council in May 1983 following local council elections.

He had served the last six years as chairman of the town council.

But he resigned three weeks ago saying he could no longer stand the confrontation inside the council.

Mark who is a Midhurst firefighter and works in command and mobilising for the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, was co-opted onto the town council in 2011.

Born and bred in Midhurst, Mark’s family has lived in the town for several generations.

He is a trustee of the Midhurst Youth Club and a governor of Midhurst Primary School.

This week he paid tribute to his predecessor, Mr Etherington.

“John gave many years of service to the town and Midhurst owes him a great debt of gratitude. He will be a hard act to follow.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MidhurstandPetworthObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @mid_pet_obs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Midhurst and Petworth Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.