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Tributes have been paid to Darran Valley community councillor and former Caerphilly county councillor David Hardacre, who died on Wednesday November 15.

“David Hardacre served the Darran Valley for decades, and we thank him for his sterling service to the community,” read a tribute from the community council.

“Our love, thoughts and prayers are with David’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Fellow community councillor Eddy Blanche said Cllr Hardacre “served the community so well for decades”. 

“It was partly down to him that I took up the role of community councillor,” he added. “Dave helped my family on numerous occasions over the years and was always ready to fight our corner.”

Cllr Hardacre also spent 20 years as a county councillor, representing Darran Valley and serving in several cabinet positions.

“He was a dedicated public servant and champion of his community who will be sadly missed by all who knew him,” said Sean Morgan, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council. “Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Jamie Pritchard, the council’s deputy leader, said on Twitter he was “very sorry to hear the news about Dai Hardacre”. 

“A pleasure to serve on the council with such a hard working man,” Cllr Pritchard added.

Gerald Jones, the MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, said: “I worked alongside Dai Hardacre as local councillors for 15 years and worked alongside him on the council’s cabinet.

“I saw first hand his dogged commitment and sheer hard work on behalf of his constituents in the Darran Valley.”

Mr Jones added: “In addition, I recall with fondness the work that Dai and his late wife Dilys did to support so many community groups and organisations over so many years.

“His service to his community, the local authority and the Labour Party is a great example of selfless community service.”

Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney’s Labour MS Dawn Bowden also paid tribute and said: “Dai was a fantastic representative for his community over many years and I will always be grateful for the support he gave me as the local MS.

“He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

County Councillor Robert Chapman, who represents Darran Valley, also paid his respects to Mr Hardacre.

Cllr Chapman knew Mr Hardacre for 50 years and now serves the same ward.

According to Cllr Chapman the two were “very close” – and he counted Mr Hardacre as a friend, colleague and mentor.

Cllr Chapman said: “He’s going to be so sadly missed.”

According to Cllr Chapman, Mr Hardacre was involved with a number of community projects throughout his life including Deri Rugby Club and Fochriw and Deri Primary School.

Cllr Chapman continued: “He just wanted to do everything for the community.

“He just wanted to help anybody and that was Dave.”

He added: “He was out of this world. We won’t have another Dave Hardacre in my eyes.”