Tributes paid to dedicated councillor

Tributes are being paid to a dedicated councillor who served his community for 25 years.

Cllr Peter Pragnell, who represented residents in Hastings on both East Sussex County Council and Hastings Borough Council, died on Monday, September 1 aged 65.

As well as representing communities as a councillor, Cllr Pragnell also served as leader of the borough council and Chairman at the county council.

Cllr Keith Glazier, East Sussex County Council leader 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. 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.”

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council, 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. 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.”  

A civil servant and former bus driver, Cllr Pragnell moved to Hastings forty years ago and was first elected as a borough councillor in 2000.

He served on both St Helens ward and Conquest ward during his time on Hastings Borough Council and was leader between 2006 and 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. During his time as a Hastings councillor he was also involved in the Queensway Gateway road project alongside 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, Cllr Pragnell was elected to Ashdown and Conquest division on East Sussex County Council and served as Chairman between from 2018 to 2019 and from 2021 to 2024.  He was vice Chairman between 2016 and 2018.

Outside politics, Cllr Pragnell was a dedicated Charlton Athletic fan and supported Hastings Utd attending as many games as possible.