TRIBUTES have been flowing in to Poole council following the sudden death of leader Brian Leverett, whose civic funeral takes place on Thursday.

The pages of a book of condolence, set up in the foyer of the Civic Centre, have been steadily filled with kind words and memories from colleagues, staff and residents.

Cards, letters and emails from organisations, charities and individuals he has been associated with over 27 years on Borough of Poole have arrived daily.

Comments include: “a good man – fair and understanding”, “a privilege to work with him” and “a perfect gentleman”.

Poole mayor Chris Bulteel and long-time colleague Cllr Ann Stribley led the tributes to “a true and dear friend so greatly missed”.

A collection box has been set up for the British Heart Foundation and the book of condolence will be in place until Cllr Leverett’s funeral on Thursday at St Peter’s Church, Parkstone.

His untimely death on September 17 at the age of 69 has left a gaping hole on the council, which he served as leader since 2003.

Leader of the Conservative administration, he was a pivotal figure who presided over Poole’s single party cabinet and took on the complex portfolio of financial strategy.

While the shock of this distressing event is still raw, the work of the borough, which is in the midst of deciding millions of pounds of financial cuts, has to continue.

Deputy leader Cllr Don Collier has stepped into the breach, taking on the role of acting leader and the financial portfolio.

He will steer the council until the full meeting of Borough of Poole on October 26 when a new council leader and deputy will be voted in.