TRIBUTES have been paid to a long-term councillor who will be remembered for his constant dedication to the community he loved.

David Bateman, who has died from cancer at the age of 75, was involved in projects and improvement schemes for his adopted home of Chigwell right to the end of his life.

His widow, Sandra Bateman, said: “He was here to be approached and everyone did really, with everything from potholes in the road to planning applications. He played quite a part in safety in the area.

“He was an amiable person who got on with everyone really. He was so well liked - I've received so many cards, letters and flowers already.”

Born in Abercynon,Glamorgan, to a mining family, David grew up in Bristol.

In his career as an insurance manager for Norwich Union he moved around the country, changing homes many times before finally settling in Fencepiece Road, Chigwell, where he had lived for the past 25 years.

Mrs Bateman said: “Chigwell was his last place to live and he never wanted to move. He loved his time on Epping Forest District Council and his friends here. He found everything in Chigwell. He liked meeting people and he liked helping people. And I think he did help.”

David had been a district councillor since 1994 and served as council vice-chairman in 2003.

Chigwell Parish Council chairman Brian Sandler said: “I think he'll be a very sad loss. He was a highly respected councillor for many years, and a man who cared about his constituents. He always had a project on and always set his mind to it.”

Fellow Chigwell district councillor John Knapman said: “I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news. Chigwell has lost a councillor and I have lost a friend.”

David had been married to Sandra for 17 years. He is survived by two children from a previous marriage, David and Sherrin, and six grandchildren.

His funeral will take place on Wednesday, August 19, at St Paul's Church in Woodford Bridge. People are asked to donate money to the Helen Rollason cancer charity.