Tributes paid to former father of the council

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Devon’s longest serving public figures who has died after a short illness.

Alderman David Scott, 89, was East Devon District Council’s ‘Father of the Council’ when he stood down in 1999 as the longest serving councillor on the authority. He was appointed an Honorary Alderman in that same year and continued to work within the community. He was a lifelong champion of Exmouth, and a particularly strong advocate for housing and a tenant volunteer.

Those who knew him say he was ‘a true character’, with a twinkle in his eye. Originally from Liverpool he was known for his sense of humour and for putting a smile on everybody’s face.

As well as his work for the local authority he was a vintage car enthusiast and he was involved in the World of Country Life.

He was elected to East Devon District Council in 1974 and was chairman of Exmouth’s town committee from 1981 until 1984. He was also chairman of the council’s housing committee for several years and served on many other committees too, including planning and policy.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, chairman of East Devon District Council, led the many tributes paid to Alderman Scott. He said: “Having known David for many years as a colleague on the district council, as well as his involvement with the World of Country Life, he is going to be sadly missed.

“David was a great chairman of housing and also had the gift of putting a smile on your face. He regularly entered old vehicles from World of Country Life in local carnivals and nothing was too much trouble for him.”