ALDERMAN Richard Wastell, one of Whitby's best-known personalities, has died at the age of 82.
For 40 years he served in local government in the North Yorkshire town, and was three times the town mayor.
He was a member of the former Whitby Urban District Council and joined its successor, the town council, in 1974, when he also became a member of Scarborough Borough Council, and served as deputy mayor of the borough.
His main interest was Whitby Harbour and for many years he was its chairman, masterminding its development as a cargo and fishing port.
He was employed in the building industry all his working life, several years at RAF Fylingdales, and his many interests included Whitby Seals Swimming Club and Whitby regatta. He was vice president of both organisations.
Mr Wastell was also a talented musician.
His funeral takes place at Whitby's St Hilda's Church on Wednesday.
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