TRIBUTES have been paid to a dedicated and much-loved Bewdley town councillor who has died.

Mary Fishwick suffered a heart attack on Saturday (June 2) and was rushed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital where she died in the evening.

The 91-year-old was elected to the East Ward of Bewdley Town Council in 2014 and was just entering her fifth year as an active member in office.

As a mark of respect, the flag outside the Guildhall is being flow at half-mast.

Council colleagues praised Councillor Fishwick’s dedication to the town and the authority and said she would be sorely missed.

She was elected as a Conservative councillor, having been a party supporter since a young age, but left the Tories to become an independent in 2016. She said the reason for her decision was the perceived “ill treatment” of her former Tory colleague Gordon Yarranton.

Bewdley Mayor Roger Coleman said: “Mary hardly missed any meetings and was an active councillor being on several committees.

“She was particularly interested in the preservation of our town’s treescape and a defender of our young citizens.

“Mary felt that life was for living and enjoyed networking in the town and will be a well missed character both in the town and at our council meetings.”

Nick Farress, the Town Clerk added: “Mary was a hardworking and popular councillor who will be sorely missed by all that knew her.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time.”

Former Bewdley Mayor Councillor John Beeson said: “She never held back voicing her views - I won't pretend I always agreed with them but never the less I always respected her for saying it as it is!

“It won't be the same without her that's for sure.”

Deputy Mayor Phil Edmundson posted a photo of himself and Councillor Beeson with Councillor Fishwick at last year’s Bewdley Carnival as a tribute.

Residents also took to social media to pay their respects to Councillor Fishwick describing her as a “one off” and a “memorable character”.