Tributes have been paid to veteran councillor Paul Butcher who has died following a long illness.

Mr Butcher, from Staplehurst, tirelessly represented the interests of his town on both Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) from 2003 to 2015 and his parish council.

Rory Silkin, Staplehurst Parish Council's chairman, paid tribute to a dear friend and colleague. He said: "I think it is very sad and he will be badly missed as he did so much for the village, both professionally and on the council.

"He worked tirelessly for the village and especially for the young people here, particularly the Youth Club and the Skateboard Uprockin’ Festival.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Mr Butcher ran his own business Butchers Removals and Storage. A lifelong conservative, he was outspoken on housing issues, serving as chairman of the parish council's planning committee.

In 2014 the Marden Road resident dramatically left the party over the proposal to build 19,600 properties by 2031 as part of the of MBC's emerging local plan. At that point, more than 900 were earmarked for Staplehurst.

Mr Butcher left MBC a year later.

Cllr John Perry (Con) added: "Paul made a major contribution to lives of residents in Staplehurst.He was tireless in his support of the young people in our village and it was down to his determination and hard work that the Youth Club developed and grew.

"On a personal basis, he was very supportive to me when I took over the chair of the parish council.

"He will be very much missed.

Staplehurst Parish Council held a minute's silence before meetings of the full council and planning committee yesterday (September 19).

Do you have a memory about Paul Butcher you would like to share? Email dgazet@thekmgroup.co.uk