Tributes paid to veteran councillor

One of the longest-serving councillors in Staffordshire has died aged 84.

Tributes were today paid to Ken Mackie who died on Sunday after a long battle with cancer.

Elected in Bilbrook, near Wolverhampton, on South Staffordshire Council in 1991, but became a Bilbrook parish councillor in the 1960s.

The father-of-two, on the parish council for 44 years, was chairman for more than a decade and also on Seisdon Rural District Council, which merged with Cannock Rural District to become South Staffordshire Council in 1974.

He was district council chairman in 1998-99 — the first time the chairman and consort were serving elected members. His wife, Doris, also served as a Bilbrook councillor until 1997.

As well as chairing South Staffordshire Citizens Advice Bureau from 1995 to 2001 he supported groups, including Codsall Scouts and the 2078 Boscobel Air Squadron cadets.

The Scot and his wife were Caledonian Society and the Scottish Country Dance Society members.

South Staffordshire Council leader Brian Edwards said: "We are all deeply saddened by Ken's death. He represented the people of Bilbrook for many years and was a true gentleman.".

Wheaton Aston Councillor Royston Wright said: "He was a very kind and very pleasant person who was always very active within the parish and within the district. He always stayed true to his Scottish roots and would attend all the Burns Night events.

Steve Winterflood, council chief executive said: "Councillor Mackie had a long and distinguished record at the council and the thoughts of everyone here are with his family."