Chepstow Town Council are remembering beloved councillor David Dovey by having a bench placed near the town’s bandstand.

The idea was discussed in a full council meeting earlier this year and various options were discussed as to what would be a fitting tribute to Cllr Dovey who was closely involved with various community groups and initiatives in the town.

The bench, which was unveiled November 18, presents a plaque which reads: "David Dovey, 1938-2021, Mayor of Chepstow 2008, Chairman of MCC 2013, in appreciation of outstanding service to the community."

Cllr Paul Pavia told the Beacon: "He had of course been both town mayor but also chair of the county council, which was a great achievement but for a councillor to die in service is relatively rare - certainly in Monmouthshire. The bench was fitting because both he and his wife, Stephanie, were huge supporters of the bands on the bandstand programme which the town runs every year through the spring and summer months. They would rarely miss a Sunday afternoon and you would find them on a bench nearby to one where the new one is located with a glass of Pimm’s in hand."

He added: "He enjoyed seeing the town come together for these events but he wasn’t just a passive recipient of good music, both he and Steph would actively manage the waste generated at the events and would go around the audience collecting rubbish and recycling bottles and cans. So to site a bench near the bandstand just felt a really good fit."

David was first elected to the County Council in 2008 and has represented the St Kingsmark ward of Chepstow ever since. He was voted as Chairman of Monmouthshire County Council in May 2013. David was passionate about all aspects of the Council and representing his constituents and until recently, David chaired the strategic transport group on the council and was instrumental in developing the group to address traffic concerns across the county.