Whitchurch Council colleagues lead tribute to Ruth Leach

Whitchurch town councillors have promised to continue the disabled rights work of a colleague who died this week.

Councillor Ruth Leach had served on Whitchurch Town Council for four years.

Colleagues said Councillor Leach had championed a wide range, including the Royal British Legion, Whitchurch Waterways Trust and the town's twinning association.

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rob Hewson, said today: "She was an excellent councillor. Her heart was in the town and she was supportive of many.

"She was also a valued member of the Age UK luncheon club. She will be sadly missed."

Mayor, Councillor Peggy Mullock, said Councillor Leach would be missed by her fellow councillors.

She said Councillor Leach was a retired mother of two grown-up children and had been a local government worker in Derbyshire during her working life.

She added it was unclear how Councillor Leach had died, but she said she had 'suffered with ill health for a number of years'.

At Thursday night's town council meeting members were due to consider an item requested by Councillor Leach on support for disabled people working as councillors.

Members agreed it would be a fitting tribute to continue her work.

Councillor Leach had hoped to find out more about what help and support was available to assist disabled people in fulfilling their duties as councillors.

Councillor Mullock said at the meeting: "Councillor Leach did work very hard for people who are disabled and I would like to think this council can take that forward and continue her good work."

Councillor Doris Ankers said: "These issues could affect all of us at some times in our lives."

Further tributes were paid during the meeting.

Councillor Mullock held back tears as she led tributes, and members also observed a minute's silence.

Town clerk Peter Martin added his condolences.

By Tom Johannsen