Tributes to former Hartlepool councillor who was a '˜wonderful person'

A minute’s silence was observed at Thursday’s Hartlepool full council meeting for Linda Shields, who represented Dyke House and later Jesmond ward between 2011 and 2014.

She passed away on January 9 aged 61 and her funeral took place yesterday.

Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher paid tribute to her dedication to the community and sense of humour adding: “Our council and town will be a sadder place for not having Linda.”

Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Mary Fleet, who was friends with Linda for many years, said: “I do miss her. My deepest sympathies go to [her husband] Paul and family.”

Conservative group leader Coun Ray Martin-Wells said: “Linda was a genuinely lovely lady. She always put the needs of the community ahead of her own.”

Council leader Christopher Akers-Belcher paid tribute to her support for the town’s voluntary sector adding: “She was just a wonderful person.”