BOROUGH councillor John Walter died yesterday following a stroke.

The Conservative councillor for Larkswood ward suffered a stroke on Thursday, and died yesterday at Whipps Cross University Hospital.

A librarian, in his seventies, Mr Walter had lived in the same house in south Chingford since he was born and was viewed by many as a politician with a personal touch.

Conservative leader Cllr Matt Davies said: “He was a truly dedicated ward councillor. He is the only one I have come across who used to visit every constituent in person who had a problem.

“He was an extremely dedicated, knowledgeable and learned man, who would always hide his light under a bushel.”