TRIBUTES have been coming in for one of Andover’s most high profile councillors who died suddenly at the weekend.

Councillor David Kirk represented Andover South for more than a decade and had been the executive member for chirden’s services. He was aged 63 and had lived in Andover since 1987 although his links with the town go back to the 1960s when he used to visit during periods of training on Salisbury Plain.

Andover MP Sir George Young led the tributes. "He was a close personal friend, and someone I often turned to for advice on local issues," he said. "He was a regular attender at the joint advice bureaus I hold with local councillors, and he was on duty only last Saturday helping constituents on issues concerning Hampshire County Council. "He was a big man on the local political scene and will be much missed." "He took his responsibilities seriously, and worked long hours at the Castle. "He was a staunch defender of the role of the local education authority in managing schools, and was fearless in challenging ministers of any party who sought to change that relationship. "He had to take a number of difficult decisions, as the pressure from central government to contain local government expenditure grew - but took them sensitively and in the best interests of those he represented."

Mrs Caroline Nokes MP, whose Romsey constituency covers much of Test Valley has expressed her shock and sadness.

She said, “David was a good friend as well as a political colleague and I am saddened and shocked by his untimely death.

“David was a tower of strength in Hampshire and Test Valley.

“He was tireless in the work he did for the local community in Andover and especially as Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Children Services.

“The place of Hampshire’s schools, well up in the national league tables is in many respects due to David’s untiring efforts and commitment to that role.

“We shall all miss him and my thoughts especially go out at this sad time to his widow Tracey and to his sons.”

Councillor Ken Thornber, Hampshire County Council’s Leader, said: “David will be greatly missed. His death has been a terrible shock and leaves a large hole in the cabinet of Hampshire County Council. Children Services have lost a very great champion who was totally committed to the wellbeing of children and young people and maintaining high educational standards across the county’s schools. “David was a tireless campaigner and was one of those characters who was larger than life. Speaking for myself I have lost not only a superb Executive Member for Children’s Services but a very loyal and kind friend."