TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a former mayor of Bewdley, Councillor Ken Peers.

Mr Peers died on Tuesday, October 13, at the age of 93.

Former Bewdley & Rock District Councillor Stephen Clee said: “Ken was a northerner by birth, settling in Bewdley in 1969 after an active 12 years in Oxfordshire where he contested and won his first election. He spent his lifetime in metals as a metallurgist, foundryman and merchant.”

He served on Bewdley Town Council for 15 years and was Town Mayor in 1978-79. He also served on the old Hereford & Worcestershire County Council 1977 until it was replaced by the New Worcestershire County until in 1997. He lost his seat in 2001 after 24 years consecutive years representing Rock and Bewdley Division.

He had a great interest in education and health and also served as chairman of the Fire & Public Protection Committee at County Hall  and led the opposition in the early 1980s against the then Fire Officers report to close Bewdley Fire Station a – campaign he won.

Mr Clee added: “I also served on the Fire Authority... and I recall talking to Ken about the situation at the time as in his formidable northern accent, Ken said ‘the problem with the current county councillors is they have no backbone’.

“Ken led many campaigns in and around the Bewdley & Rock area he will be remembered with great affection by many people connected to the organisations he was involved with. RIP Old Boy you played your part with great distinction and dedication.”

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