TRIBUTES have been paid at a council meeting to former Labour group leader Cllr Derek Bateman with a minute’s silence held in his memory.
The newly elected Labour group leader, Cllr Justin Madders said that when Cheshire West and Chester Council was formed the majority of councillors were from district councils.
He said: “Derek, with his county council background and vast experience nationally as well, brought a great deal of wisdom and experience to the authority, certainly the Labour group at that time. He was a great source of information, assistance and support.
“After the elections in May we had a great many new councillors and I know that many, who for the first time were elected councillors, really valued the support and experience that Derek was able to offer them.
“It’s been said a number of times how much Derek gave to the community of Ellesmere Port, the wider community of Cheshire and local government in general.
“I know his family have found as a great source of inspiration the many letters of support and words of condolence that they received following his death which have highlighted the many initiatives and projects Derek was involved in.”
Council leader Mike Jones said: “Derek was immensely keen on his community, working for and supporting his community and is well respected in that community and will be a sad loss for Ellesmere Port and I am sure to the wider area.”
