Telford councillor dies aged 69
A long standing Telford councillor who served his community for more than 20 years has died suddenly.
Councillor Paul Shutt, chairman of Hollinswood and Randlay Parish Council, died on Saturday. He was 69.
He had been re-elected to his role on the parish council following May's local elections.
Paying tribute, his colleagues at the parish council said they were "proud and blessed" to have known him, and said he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
In a statement the council said: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden death of our chairman.
"Paul passed away on Saturday morning. Our thoughts are with his wife, family and friends.
"Paul was the longest serving councillor on Hollinswood and Randlay Parish Council, having served the communities of this parish for over 20 years. He had been the vice-chairman for eight years before he was unanimously elected as chairman in 2015 and re-elected in May of this year.
"He was always supportive of the council, always a friend to it and everything it did."
Council vice-chairman Councillor Sheenagh Unwin said: "Sometimes Paul was a critical friend, often there to give you his opinion or to tell you if you did something wrong, but always with a twinkle in his eye.
"Paul greeted everyone with a happy smile. He cheered up dull days with his
funny stories and he always put others before himself."
Councillor Shutt was an ever present figure at community events and was popular with families for his friendship with Father Christmas.
Parish clerk Katrina Baker said "He was a special character and always said what he thought. His help, support and advice have been invaluable. He had the best interests of the parish council on the top of his list of priorities and he worked hard to represent the people of our parish at every opportunity."
He is survived by his wife Neeta.
Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced soon.
