Tributes have been paid following the sad death of long-standing Eastbourne Conservative councillor Barry Taylor.
Cllr Taylor was elected to represent the Eastbourne Meads division at the County Council in 2005 and, up until May this year served on Eastbourne Borough Council. He died on Saturday following an accident.
Always noted for his smart appearance, Cllr Taylor was most recently vice chairman of the county’s planning committee and sat on the council’s standards committee. He was also a dedicated member of the East Sussex Fire Authority.
East Sussex County Council Leader, Cllr Keith Glazier said: “We are shocked and saddened by Barry’s death and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Barry always went out of his way to help others and worked tirelessly for the residents he served. He will be truly missed.”
Cllr Taylor leaves wife Christine, two sons, two daughters and grandchildren.
The East Sussex County Council flag was raised and lowered to half-mast in tribute to Cllr Taylor on Monday, June 12.
Penny di Cara deputy leader of the Conservative Group on Eastbourne Borough Council said “We were all totally shocked to hear that Barry had died, it does not seem possible that only last week we were talking and now he is gone, our prayers and thoughts go out to Christine and his family at this tragic time.”
Caroline Ansell, Eastbourne's MP added: "I am stunned by the passing of my dear friend Barry Taylor. I had seen him only days before. I loved him and I will miss him as will many people across our town.
Barry served as a councillor for Meads on Eastbourne Borough Council for 30 years. He only stepped down from the role last month and was a much-cherished public servant dedicated to his community. He remained in his role at East Sussex County Council.
There will be time to pay tribute to his work and anyone who knew him will know how passionate he was about the unique character of the area he represented and loved. Today, my thoughts and prayers are all for his family and many friends who will feel his loss so profoundly. God bless you Barry, Rest in Peace."
Cllr Colin Belsey, Chair of Eastbourne Conservatives added: "I have known Barry for at least 25 years and he was a gentleman, friend and a hard-working councillor. We will all miss him greatly"
