A FORMER Bromsgrove District Council who served on the authority for 24 years has died at the age of 89.
Jean Luck, who represented Alvechurch, was elected as a Conservative in 1987 but left the party after 16 years, serving an independent for the remainder of her time with the authority.
Despite the political make-up of the area, Jean was held in such high regard that she managed to hold onto her seat in both the 2003 and 2007 district council elections.
When she stood down in 2011 she said she enjoyed being an independent as she could vote how she wanted for the good of the people of Bromsgrove.
During her time she served as chairman of the planning committee and as a member where she spoke out and voted against unwanted development.
She was also the leader of the Wythall Residents Association and independents coalition for a time, on a public transport and scrutiny task group and the working group for the Bromsgrove Museum.
Former Bromsgrove District Council leader Dennis Norton, who is a trustee of the Norton Collection Museum, said he had always admired Jean.
“I got on very well with her.
“She was outspoken at times but when she was it was always justified – she did a damn good job.
“Her planning knowledge was amazing and she was chairman of the committee when I became vice chair – I learnt a lot from her.
“Jean was also a keen supporter of the museum and what we were trying to do with it, which I have been grateful for.”
Current Bromsgrove District Council leader Coun Geoff Denaro said he was saddened by Jean’s passing.
“She was a highly competent and dedicated councillor who served her residents well over many years.
“She was a very effective chair of planning and served on the committee for a long time.
“She will always be fondly remembered by her colleagues and officers at Bromsgrove District Council.”
MP Sajid Javid also praised the good work Jean did for the residents she served.
