I was very saddened to hear the news of Chrissie Hitchcock’s death.

From campaigning in Grove ward in recent elections, I got a real sense of how many residents knew her from her involvement in community events and local groups and from her case work.

It is not easy for people to combine their responsibilities on the council with the rest of their lives and 25 years of unbroken public service, and her passion for the role during that time were admired by many across the political spectrum.

My thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.

TIM COBBETT

Green Party Grove ward candidate, 2014 and 2015