CHESHIRE West and Chester Council has paid tribute to a "kind, generous and big-hearted" councillor who passed away at the weekend.

Cllr Andy Williams, who represented the Neston ward, sadly died on Saturday (April 25) after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

He was a very active member of the council as chairman of the Appeals Committee, deputy chairman of the Licensing Committee and a member of the Cheshire West and Chester Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Council Leader, said: "I’ve worked alongside Andy as a Cheshire West and Chester councillor since 2011. Our wards were next to each other and we campaigned together on many local issues.

"Andy was a kind, generous and big hearted man, he was loyal and dedicated to the community he served and passionate about improving the lives of others.

"He was a popular member of the Labour Group on Cheshire West and Chester Council and he played an active role leading key committees.

"Andy was also Chair of the local Labour Party Neston branch and a committed Socialist and Trade Unionist."

During his time as a councillor, Cllr Williams was chairman of the Neston S106 steering group, where he ensured that money given to the community through the planning process for infrastructure improvements was spent in collaboration with key stakeholders to improve the environment.

He was keen to see investment in the town, championed the refurbishment of the Brio leisure centre and was also key to the delivery of significant improvements to Sytchcroft Park, which brought life to a tired open space in the heart of Neston.

He was a strong and passionate voice for the residents of the Ringway estate and an advocate for the businesses in Neston, particularly those on the Clayhill estate.

Cllr Williams, also honorary secretary of Neston Female Society, was a dedicated ward member who had the best interests of his residents at the heart of everything he did.

Cllr Gittins added: "As a friend and colleague I’ll miss his loyalty, honesty and the ability to see good in everything, my Saturday surgeries in Neston Town Hall won't be the same again."

Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Justin Madders said: "I first met Andy around twenty years ago when he was elected to the old Borough Council and ever since then he has been a good friend and colleague who always had the best interests of the people of Neston at heart.

"As someone who grew up and lived in the area he represented it seemed that he knew everyone in Neston, and everyone knew him. He was not only well known but also well liked by everyone and we will all have many fond memories of the times we spent together.

"He was a Labour man through and through and a great trade unionist but above all else he was an integral part of the community and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this desperately sad time.”