TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Christchurch councillor who tirelessly represented residents in the borough’s Mudeford ward for 16 years.

Father-of-two Brian Williams, who lived in Mudeford with his wife Lesley, served twice as chairman of the council’s technical services committee and acted as vice-chairman of planning control.

West Highcliffe ward councillor David Jones said: “Brian was tireless in examining ways to ease traffic congestion in the town centre.

“Had he not been forced to step down as chairman of technical services in March 2000, following a near fatal illness, his drive and enthusiasm were such that I believe he would have found the way forward which has so far eluded his successors.”

A highly qualified electrical engineer, Mr Williams, who was 66, designed heavy electrical equipment and was also known for operating the sound system at events.

When reorganisation and a takeover of the company where he worked led to redundancy he worked as a taxi driver.

Eucharistic minister Mr Williams’ funeral service will be held at the Holy Redeemer Church in Highcliffe, where he was a server, on Thursday, January 10 at 12.30pm.