A former mayor has died.
George Allt was Dover’s first citizen in 2003-04 and a councillor in every decade since the 1980s.

He was in both Dover’s town and district authorities and his passing was announced by the town council today.

A statement from it said: “Everyone at the council was saddened to hear of the death of former Cllr George Allt.

“George is remembered for his enthusiasm for the work for the council, his sense of fund and ability to put all who met him at their ease.

“Our thoughts are with George’s family and friends at this sad time.”

The council says that under his leadership it undertook the building work that saw Maison Dieu House in Biggin Street restored and returned to the town’s ownership.

Mr Allt also promoted the placing of plants and flowers in the town centre, which the town centre has kept up ever since.

Mr Allt was at the helm of the Dover in Bloom scheme for fire years until he resigned as its chairman in 2006.

He was frustrated with floral displays being ripped by vandals and had lately had complaints from people about them otherwise becoming mediocre.

In November 2004, a few months after the end of his mayoralty, Mr Allt was hospitalised after being mugged.

He was knocked unconscious and robbed as he returned home in the evening, suffering a head injury and damaged to his left eye.

He was thought to have suffered some memory loss but still recalled a group of youths near him as he was putting his key into his front door.

Mr Allt was a Labour district councillor for a total 14 years. From 1979 to 1983 he was a member for the then Priory ward, now part of Maxton, Elms Vale and Priory.

He represented Barton from 1997 to 2003 and Buckland for the next four years.

Dover Town Council was re-established in 1996 and Mr Allt was the sixth mayor from then.