BOURNEMOUTH council has paid tribute to a distinguished former member who died before Christmas, aged 89.
Basil Thorpe Ratcliffe was first elected for the Southbourne ward in 1973, and his main period of office as a Conservative councillor was between 1991 and 2011, representing East Southbourne and Tuckton.
At a full council meeting on Tuesday, Mayor Lawrence Williams said: "It is with deep regret that I refer to the recent death of honorary alderman Basil Radcliffe.
"He retired from the council in 2011 and in September of that year was admitted to the Roll of Honorary Aldermen of the Borough of Bournemouth in recognition of his eminent service to the council and the town.
"Members of the council I wish to move and trust you will agree that the council place on record its sincere appreciation for the services rendered by Basil Radcliffe, and express to his family its deepest sympathy and condolences in the sad loss they've suffered."
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