Shock death of Centro chief Angus Adams, 67

A senior councillor in the Black Country who was also chairman of the West Midlands transport authority Centro has died at the age of 67.

Councillor Angus Adams, who was Dudley Borough's regeneration chief, died at his Stourbridge home yesterday. The father of two and grandfather of three had served on Dudley Council, representing Norton, since 2000.

Council leader Les Jones, who described Councillor Adams as "one hundred per cent committed to the council and its residents", said his sudden death came as a shock to everyone.

He said the councillor had only just enjoyed an Easter break with his partner, fellow borough councillor Jennie Dunn, in Cumbria.

Councillor Jones said he was "deeply saddened" by the loss of a " well-respected colleague and close personal friend". "Angus was a very experienced and highly-valued member of the cabinet, who was one hundred per cent committed to the council and its residents.

"He was very popular and a real character and the news of his passing has come as a terrible shock to everyone. Our thoughts are with Angus' family at this sad and difficult time," he added.

Before being elected to the council, Councillor Adams worked as a self-employed salesman of nuts and bolts. He had been a cabinet member since 2004 and has held cabinet portfolios for lifelong learning, transport and regeneration.

In 2010, he became the chairman of Centro, overseeing policy on public transport and campaigns for an extension of the Midland Metro tram network into Birmingham.

Councillor Jon Hunt, the vice-chairman of Centro,the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, said: "This is a very sad loss of a thoroughly decent man.

"Angus leaves the integrated transport authority in extremely good shape, with major investment coming in to the region and services maintained in difficult times.

"As chairman he was a very effective regional diplomat. He was a pleasure to work with and he will be greatly missed."

Fellow Conservative councillor Pat Martin said she was "deeply saddened" to hear of her colleague's death.