Tributes have been paid to a dedicated and long-serving councillor who served his community for 25 years including
Councillor Peter Pragnell, who represented residents in Hastings on East Sussex County Council and Hastings Borough Council, died yesterday (Monday 1 September) at the age of 65.
Councillor Pragnell had also served as the leader of Hastings Borough Council and chairman of East Sussex County Council.
The leader of East Sussex County Council, Keith Glazier, said: “We have indeed lost a true friend and most loyal colleague.
“Peter’s achievements over all the years have been many. He was a respected member of the council and a staunch supporter of his community.”
Councillor Glazier added: “He worked tirelessly to get the best deal for the people of Hastings and he will be truly missed. Our thoughts remain with his family.”
The leader of Hastings Borough Council, Glenn Haffenden, said: “Everyone at Hastings Borough Council was sad to hear the news about Peter’s passing.
“He will be remembered as a dedicated former leader and long-serving councillor in Hastings who cared deeply for the town and our residents.”
Councillor Haffenden added: “He always worked to achieve the best for our residents and the town. We send our condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.”
Peter Pragnell was a former bus and coach driver and a civil servant at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
He moved to Hastings 40 years ago and was first elected as a borough councillor 25 years ago – in 2000.
He represented St Helen’s ward and Conquest ward during his time on the borough council and served as leader from 2006 to 2010.
During his time as leader at Hastings Borough Council, he travelled to Sierra Leone as part of the friendship link between Hastings and Hastings in Sierra Leone.
As a Hastings councillor, he was also involved in everyday issues including potholes, flooding and planning applications.
More recently he was working as the county council representative on the Hastings Neighbourhood Board.
In 2009, Councillor Pragnell was elected to represent Ashdown and Conquest division on East Sussex County Council and served as chairman of the council from 2015 to 2019.
Outside politics, he was a dedicated Charlton Athletic fan and supported Hastings United, attending as many games as possible.
