TRIBUTES have been paid to a dedicated councillor wh o died following a long battle with illness.

Tadley South ward councillor, Rob Musson, died on September 7, aged 63.

A successful businessman and school governor at the Hurst School in Tadley, Cllr Musson was a well-respected figure in the community who always strived to serve the people of his ward.

Paying tribute to the Conservative councillor, leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Cllr Clive Sanders said: “Rob was a very well regarded councillor in the borough.

“He was valued for his unique ability to view complex issues from different angles to see things that other people didn’t see.”

Described as “one of the good guys” by his family, Cllr Musson was elected to represent Tadley South in 2007.

During his time serving on the council the 63-year-old was a member of the economic planning and housing committee, Manydown overview committee, scrutiny and audit and accounts committees.

He was also the chair of the economic prosperity and performance committee and the management committee for the Hurst Centre.

Fellow Tadley South ward councillor, Cllr David Leeks added: “Rob was a person who would think hard in a debate and come at it very often from a new angle. He was a great person to bounce ideas off.”

Cllr Musson’s memory will live on through his wife Chris and their four children and nine grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at St Paul’ s church, in The Green on September 22 at 1.30pm, with family flowers only and the request of donations being made to St Michael’s Hospice