Long-Serving Chairman Steps Down

The long-serving Chairman of Herefordshire Council will hang up his chain for the last time after five years at the helm.

Cllr Peter Harling will step down from the ceremonial role at today’s (Friday, May 13) Full Council meeting in Shire Hall. He wants to spend more time with his family and grandchildren.

But Cllr Harling, who has given 45 years of his life to public service, will continue to represent his hometown Ledbury as ward councillor for Herefordshire Council.

During his spell as Chairman, Cllr Harling has represented the county as first ambassador at hundreds of official engagements, ceremonies and openings helping to raise awareness of the council’s work and achievements.

The highlight of his tenor as Chairman was the Queen’s visit to Herefordshire in 2003.

“I have enjoyed every moment of my ambassadorial role as Chairman of Herefordshire Council,” said Cllr Harling.

“One of my fondest memories was escorting the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh around Herefordshire during the royal visit two years ago.

“I was particularly proud to accompany Her Majesty around Harling Court, in Ledbury.”

Harling Court, a sheltered accommodation, was officially named after Cllr Harling to mark his contribution to the housing needs of Ledbury and the wider community.

He was Chairman of Malvern Hills District Council’s Housing Committee when he officially opened the building in 1990.

“The Queen was most interested in Harling Court and was genuinely inquisitive about the housing needs of Ledbury and the reasons behind the project,” added Cllr Harling.   

During 45 years of public life, Cllr Harling has served on Ledbury Town Council, the old Malvern Hills District Council and the former Hereford and Worcester County Council.

He is also a founder member of Ledbury and District Society and was a churchwarden at Ledbury Parish Church for 26 years.

While others may be tempted to put their feet up, Cllr Harling has pledged to continue his public role. He has just been elected Chairman of Ledbury and District Civic Society.

“Being the elected representative of Ledbury can be a very rewarding role. I enjoy the involvement of public life and take a lot of satisfaction from helping others. That’s why I will continue as ward member until at least 2007.

“I’m also relishing the new challenges ahead as Chairman of Ledbury and District Civic Society.”

Throughout his long and distinguished career in local government, Cllr Harling has enjoyed the full support of his wife Sue, who regularly attends engagements and public meetings by her husband’s side.

“I have been extremely fortunate to have such a supportive wife as I do in Sue.

“The role of Chairman of Herefordshire Council can be very time consuming and I shall enjoy spending more quality time with my wife and my family, especially my two grandchildren Sian, 13, and Ceri, 10, who live in north Wales.”