Tributes for veteran Dearne councillor

TRIBUTES have been paid to a veteran councillor who died last week.

Alan Gardiner, 72, was elected onto the council in 1988 to represent Dearne Thurnscoe.

Since the ward change in 2004, he represented Dearne North. He has been in the council’s cabinet since 1999, most recently as the spokesperson for core services.

Sir Steve Houghton, leader of the council, said: “Alan has been one of the council’s longest-serving councillors and has been an outstanding advocate for the Dearne and the people of that area.

“He has been an outstanding member of Barnsley Council’s cabinet. He has served with great passion, commitment, and honesty for the last 34 years – and in no small way, he has been responsible for Barnsley Council being the successful organisation that it is. His passing is a huge loss to the council and to the community.

“I will personally miss his sound and measured advice, and his good humour.

“My condolences go to his family and friends.”