Village campaigner dies at age 65

A popular and long-serving South Staffordshire councillor has died at the age of 65.

Tributes were today pouring in to Councillor Peter Timms, described as an "excellent servant to the community", who represented Wombourne for both South Staffordshire and Staffordshire County Councils.

The father-of two, who lived in Millfields Way, Wombourne, campaigned for a number of projects to transform the lives of people living in Wombourne during his political career and was elected as chairman of Wombourne Parish Council three times.

His campaigns included fighting to ban a dangerous right-hand turn from the A449 into the village's narrow Beggars Bush Lane, and helping campaigners in their long-running fight for a new cemetery in the village, which is due to start being created with weeks. He was also leading a campaign for safety measures on the A449 Stourbridge Road, including calling for the 70mph speed limit to be slashed.

He died on Wednesday evening and leaves a widow Carol, also a district councillor for Wombourne South East, and grown-up sons Matthew and Adrian.

Councillor Brian Edwards, leader of South Staffordshire Council, said today: "Everyone at the council was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Councillor Peter Timms.

"Peter gave excellent service on the district council from 1999 to 2007, serving the people of Wombourne South East. Additionally, he served all the people of Wombourne in his role as a county councillor. Our thoughts are with his wife Carol and the rest of his family at this very sad time." Wombourne North and Lower Penn district councillor Alan Hinton said: "He was an excellent councillor who will be sadly missed by a great many people. He was a very dedicated councillor and an excellent servant to the community."

Staffordshire County Council Conservative group leader Philip Atkins also today spoke highly of Councillor Timms. "We are very sad to hear the news of Peter's death," he said.

"He represented Wombourne over the last seven years and will be sorely missed by his colleagues at the county council. We extend our sympathies to Peter's family at this time."

Council leader John Taylor said: "On behalf of everyone at Staffordshire County Council I would like to send our condolences to the Timms family."

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.