COUNCILLORS have paid tribute to a former council chairman who has passed away.

Wendy Humphries served as a district councillor in Cherwell from 1988 to 2000, representing the Banbury Ruscote ward.

She passed away at her home in Pontardawe, Swansea, last Saturday, aged 77.

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The councillor was chairman of the authority during the municipal years 1997-1998 and 1998-1999.

She was also vice chairman from 1995-1996, 1996-1997, and 1999-2000 and also chaired the appeals committee in 1998 to 1999.

Barry Wood, the current leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “Wendy was a strong personality and enjoyed chairing the council meetings and representing the Cherwell district.

“We send our condolences to her family and friends.”

Mrs Humphries was also a Banbury town and Oxfordshire county councillor, and she served on a wide range of district council committees over the years.

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During her time on the three authorities she got involved in economic development, environmental services, planning and the redevelopment of Banbury town centre.

Les Sibley, district councillor for Bicester and chairman of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I served as vice chairman to councillor Humphries from 1997 to 1999. At the time I was still a new councillor and Wendy was a real support to me as I learnt about being an effective representative to the community I was elected to serve.

“She will be greatly missed by the local people and fellow councillors whose lives she touched.”

Mrs Humphries and her husband, Tony, who was leader of Cherwell District Council from 1995 to 2000, were well known figures in Banbury and the wider district.