TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of councillor and former mayor Brian Blakeley.

Cllr Blakeley has been devoted to Rhyl and particularly to the people of Tynewydd ward since taking up the position of town councillor in 1999.

He was a Denbighshire County councillor from 2003 and he served as Rhyl town mayor in 2006/2007.

He was Chair of the Council 2014 / 2015; Chair of the Partnerships Scrutiny Committee 2012 / 2013 and Chair of the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee 2008 – 2011.

He was also previously the council’s Homelessnes Champion.

Gareth Nickels, town clerk, said: "Brian emboidied everything a good councillor should be. He backed the town's people and called out inequality and unfairness whenever he found it, championed good projects and always tried his best for his ward and the people who elected him. A man of integrity, fellow councillors and staff have not just lost a colleague but also a good friend.

"A family man through and through, Brian was proud to see his daughter Michelle also elected to the town council. "Away from council work, Brian loved animals. Over the years he had many rescue dogs, with particular a fondness for greyhounds.

"We will feel his loss keenly, but the greatest loss is to his family, and our thoughts are with his wife Evelyn, to whom he was devoted, Michelle, and the rest of his family and friends."

Just days ago, cllr Blakeley attended full council and stood up for and represented the people of Rhyl, just as he had done for the past 23 years.

The member of Denbighshire Communities Scrutiny and Planning committees died in the early hours of Friday morning. 

Cllr Arwel Roberts, Chairman of Denbighshire County Council, said: “This is a tremendously sad day as we hear about Brian’s passing.

“He was very much a champion of his local community and was vocal in his work to improve the quality of life for residents in his ward and in the wider Rhyl and Denbighshire communities. He was often seen out and about volunteering at major events or community activities and that was typical of Brian’s style. He loved to get stuck in and work with and on behalf of his community.

“For Brian, it was more than being a councillor, it was a way of life. He selflessly dedicated his time, passion and energy to make a real difference, both at county level and at Rhyl Town Council.

“He will be missed by all his colleagues and friends within the council and I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family at this very difficult time”.