TRIBUTES have been paid to long-serving councillor Alan Taylor who died last week.

Liberal Democrat Alan Taylor, survived by wife Alice and two daughters Andrea and Helen, suffered a heart attack on Friday during a holiday in the Lake District.

Mr Taylor, 68, had been an elected member of the council for nearly seven years. First elected to the Heath Ward in May 1997, by 1999 he had become the leader of the local Liberal Democrat Party, contributing to the council's executive board. He also sat on many committees and subcommittees.

The day before his death, Mr Taylor had attended a meeting of the council's executive board, before travelling up to the Lake District with his wife, where they planned to spend the weekend.

Council Leader Tony McDermott led the tributes to Cllr Taylor, saying he would be very much missed by those who knew him.

'We are all saddened to hear of the death of Cllr Alan Taylor, and would like to offer our sincere condolences to his wife Alice and daughters Andrea and Helen,' he said.

'Alan's death last Friday has come as a shock to us all, whatever Party or persuasion. He was a helpful, thoughtful and conscientious member of the council who carried out an extremely difficult job with diligence and skill.'

Before becoming a councillor, Cllr Taylor, who lived at Pick-erings Close, had enjoyed careers in the Royal Navy and the Environment Agency. He was also a Church of England Minister for the Diocese of Chester.

Cllr McDermott added: 'Alan will be sadly missed by members and officers of the council and no doubt by members of his local community.'

Cllr Taylor's funeral will take place at 11.30am on Tuesday, April 13, at St John's Church, Weston, where he once served as a lay preacher.