‘Decent man who cared about his community’

TRIBUTES TO FORMER MAYOR WHO HAS DIED AT AGE OF 92

DEDICATED: Jeff Chantrell in his time as mayor and, below, in later years

A FORMER mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth and founder member of the borough council has died aged 92.

Councillor Jeff Chantrell, who lived in Thornton, served as a Labour councillor for Bagworth ward for 17 years from 1974 to 1991 and was mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth twice, in 19771978 and 1987-88.

He was keenly involved in town twinning, particularly the town’s link with Herford in Germany, not only while mayor but also in recent years.

He was also a long-serving Bagworth parish councillor.

The tributes were led by Andy Furlong, the current Labour borough councillor for Markfield, Stanton and Field Head.

He said: “I first encountered Jeff when I moved to the borough more than 30 years ago.

“He was a decent man who both cared for and understood the community he represented.

“He supported my parliamentary campaigns in 1997 and 2001, introducing me to many people in Thornton and Bagworth.

“It was clear from the outset that he was well-regarded and he gave me some sound advice. The Labour Party in Bosworth is grateful for Jeff’s public service and sends its condolences to his family.”

David Bill, the Liberal Democrat deputy leader of the borough council, served alongside Coun Chantrell in the 1970s and 1980s.

He said: “Jeff was a founder member of the borough council. He was a calming and steadying influence at a time of great turmoil following the bringing together of the old urban and rural areas.

“He was well respected by everyone. My condolences to his family.”