TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Conservative councillor who represented a Wrexham community for more than a quarter of a century.

Lloyd Kenyon died on Friday evening following a short illness, according to members of the Clwyd South Conservative Association.

Lord Kenyon was first elected to represent Overton on Wrexham Maelor Borough Council in 1991 before becoming a member of Wrexham County Borough Council when it was formed in 1996.

He went on to serve the area for a total of 26 years and was a governor at both the Madras and Maelor schools in the village of Penley.

Council leader Mark Pritchard said Lord Kenyon was known for his dedication to the role and would be ‘greatly missed’ by those who knew him.

He said: “It was with great sadness that I heard of the recent death of former councillor Lloyd Kenyon.

“Lloyd was hugely respected by all who knew and worked with him.

“His honest and straight talking nature and his dedication to his role was greatly admired.

“On behalf of the council I would like to offer sincere condolences to his family and friends on their very sad loss.

“He will also be greatly missed by all those who have worked with him, both here at the council and his community where he was a well-known and respected figure.”

Lord Kenyon lost his seat to independent John McCusker at the 2017 council elections, but remained as president of the local Conservative association until his death.

As a mark of respect, flags at Wrexham’s Guildhall will be flown at half-mast until the day after his funeral.

Conservative group leader Hugh Jones paid respect to his former colleague, who he said was a ‘passionate’ member of the Flintshire and Wrexham Joint Adoption Panel.

He said: “He was respected by all members right across the political spectrum.

“He was dedicated, he was unassuming, he was determined and very passionate about the adoption panel which he served diligently.

“He was somebody who believed in public service and gave up his time and his abilities freely and generously.”

Former Conservative councillor Paul Rogers also paid tribute to Lord Kenyon.

He said: “It was a privilege to have worked with Lord Kenyon and he was a well respected and dedicated county councillor for Overton.”