CLLR Geraldine Bowden, a Conservative member of Tonbridge and Malling borough council for 17 years, has died after a short illness. She was 64.

Cllr Bowden, who was also an Ightham parish councillor, is believed to have died after battling a virus.

In recent years she was a tireless campaigner against the construction of a concrete factory by H + H Celcon at Ightham Sandpit.

Borough council leader Cllr Mark Worrall (Con), who had worked with her since 1989, said: “We are all just shocked. It was very sudden and our sympathies go out to Bill and the kids and, indeed, her mother.

“I can’t recall another elected member who knew as much about the history or who was as comprehensive in their preparation for meetings."

Wrotham parish councillor Pete Gillin and parish clerk Lesley Cox also issued a statement saying: “She was an inspirational person who tirelessly worked on behalf of her community.

“She was a constant campaigner for preserving the rural character of her environment and fought tooth and nail against industrial encroachment in the green belt.”