Tributes pour in for Jeff Osborn

Trowbridge town and Wiltshire County councillor Jeff Osborn died last week.

Lib Dem group leader Glenis Ansell said: "On behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group - we are saddened by the news of Cllr Osborne's death. His immense determination was all too obvious during recent meetings when it was clear that he was unwell. Regardless of his health he kept up his fight for the people he represented. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Helen and the family."

Cllr Chris Devine commented: "Truly saddened to hear this news and my sincere condolences to Helen and the family. What a great loss to Wiltshire and the Council of a man who deeply cared about this County and who worked unstintingly for his communities. The Council chamber will feel less of a place now that Jeff is no longer there to keep us on our toes, he really was one of a kind and respected by all."

Jeff served on West Wiltshire District Council, Wiltshire County Council, and since 2009 on the new Wiltshire Council. He originally stood as a Labour councillor, subsequently joining the liberal Democrats in the late '90s, before standing as an Independent at the 2013 WC elections. He was also a long-standing member of Trowbridge Town Council.

Comment - Trowbridge has lost a great champion. Jeff was a fighter for the town, for the people he represented, and for the causes he believed in. Whether in opposition at Wiltshire or in administration at West Wilts he always gave it everything, and was still campaigning, for example on the Hopper bus, until his last days. He will be genuinely missed.