Councillor dies in hospital

A Shrewsbury councillor who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer less than a year ago has lost his battle against the disease.

Borough and parish councillor Brian Rees, of Brook Road, Bomere Heath, was diagnosed with an endocrine cancer in September last year.

He died in hospital on Saturday at the age of 67.

The Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council member, who also sat on the authority’s cabinet, began chemotherapy following his diagnosis but was determined to serve his constituents in the Pimhill ward despite his illness and attended meetings as often as possible.

Leader of the council Peter Nutting today paid tribute to the Tory councillor, who was elected in 2002.

He said: “Brian was a wonderful group member, a really cheerful person who always contributed in a lively way to all the council did. We will miss him greatly.”

Councillor Shirley Briers, from Bomere Heath Parish Council, said the death of Mr Rees was a sad loss.