MEMBERS of Teignbridge Council have been paying tributes after the death of their colleague Cllr Huw Cox.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Cox represented Ashburton and Buckfastleigh, and was a member of the council’s executive committee. 

He was chairman of Buckfastleigh Town Council and the town’s current mayor.

Cllr Stuart Rogers (Con, Ashburton and Buckfastleigh) described him as ‘a truly great man, taken away before his time’.

In tribute, members stood for a minute’s silence before a full Teignbridge council meeting.

Cllr Cox lived in Buckfastleigh for 20 years and worked as a self-employed builder and landscaper.

In his biography on the Buckfastleigh Town Council website, he said his particular interests were affordable housing, local employment opportunities, and ensuring that the residents of Buckfastleigh get a fair deal.

Teignbridge Council leader Cllr Martin Wrigley (Lib Dem, Dawlish NE) told the sombre meeting of the full council: ‘He has always been an outspoken advocate for his community. His contributions to this council are many and varied.

‘This council, and I personally, will miss him very much as a councillor and as a friend.’

Conservative group leader Cllr Phil Bullivant (Bradley) added: ‘It was a pleasure to be a fellow councillor with him. We have lost somebody who was an asset to this council and to his town.’