TRIBUTES have been paid to Stourport’s longest serving councillor who has died following a short illness.

Councillor Maureen Mason served Stourport Town Council for 33 years as a Conservative member and held the Areley Kings West ward seat until her death on Thursday (January 5), at the age of 71.

As well as being a member of the town council, Miss Mason also got elected on to Wyre Forest District Council for five years from 2003.

Devastated colleagues paid tribute to her hard work and dedication to the town and added she would be sorely missed.

Mayor of Stourport Ken Henderson, who represents the same ward, said: “Over the years Maureen has been an absolute gem for Areley Kings and Stourport, a real friend, colleague and mentor.

“I have missed her presence during her illness and, when hearing of her death, I felt very sad. This was because I have lost a very dear friend, who gave great advice and support.”

Miss Mason’s Tory colleague and former Stourport civic leader Councillor Stephen Clee said: “When I was Mayor of Stourport on Severn in 2003 I was very blessed to have Maureen’s support and help during the year.

“She loved the town to her core and did everything she could to promote it at its best be it within Stourport, or in Villeneuve le Roi - Stourport’s twin town in France.

“She has been a part of Stourport of Severn Political Life and its History for over 37 years and will be sorely missed. RIP Maureen you did the town proud.”

Miss Mason was born in Kidderminster and attended Foley Park School. Away from the council, she spent her working life at Bond Worth carpets in the town.

Her political career began when she was persuaded to become the then Mayor of Stourport Patrick Duffy’s consort. He also persuaded her to stand for election.

She also fought for the Areley Kings Ward seat on Wyre Forest District Council in 1995 and 1999 but failed to get elected.

But Councillor Clee said he persuaded her to stand again in 2003 and this saw her top the poll, becoming only the third Conservative councillor to ever get elected in Areley Kings for the district.

Miss Mason was re-elected the following year with the most votes in the ward and helped her party take outright control of the district after 20 years.

She retired from the district council in 2008 but carried on her role on the town council up until her death.