Tributes paid to Councillor Brian Surtees

Councillor Brian Surtees, district councillor for the Chipping Ongar, Greensted and Marden Ash ward, has died.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Epping Forest District Council, Jon Whitehouse, said: "Brian's death came as a great shock. He was someone who believed in service and in helping others. He demonstrated that commitment in his professional life, in his ministry for the Church of England and in his service on Ongar Town Council and the district council.

"I will miss him greatly and my thoughts are with his family and close friends."

Liberal Democrats across Epping Forest and further afield will much miss Brian's wise counsel and warm humour. Elected to the District Council in 2014, he worked hard for the people of Ongar and was also often seen ministering at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.

Epping Forest District Council Leader Chris Whitbread also offered his condolences, saying: "Brian was a hard-working councillor, always friendly and thoughtful. I was saddened to hear of his death, he will be missed by all who knew him."

Buckhurst Hill Green Party councillor Steven Neville said: "He was a lovely, lovely guy, one of the best. He really cared about people and always held himself well in the council chamber.

"His passing is a great loss to his family, the church, Epping Forest District Council and the people of Chipping Ongar."

The council will be observing a minute's silence in Brian's memory at their next meeting on Thursday 22 February.