TRIBUTES have been paid to a Labour stalwart who has died after a brief stay in hospital.

Former Castle Point councillor Brian Wilson died on Monday aged 87 after being admitted to Southend Hospital’s acute medical unit on Sunday with deteriorating heart and lung conditions, Castle Point Labour has announced.

A spokesman for the borough’s Labour group said Brian’s wife, Gillian, along with their children and grandchildren “find it difficult to accept that this unstoppable force has hit the final barrier”.

Brian, a retired naval architect with extensive engineering experience, was first elected to represent St Mary’s ward on Castle Point Council in 1995.

Echo: Campaigner - Brian Wilson fought against homes being built at Jotmans Farm in BenfleetCampaigner - Brian Wilson fought against homes being built at Jotmans Farm in Benfleet (Image: Newsquest)

He played a lead role in the then Labour-led council until he lost his seat in 2003 by just four votes.

In a by-election in 2007, he was re-elected as the borough’s only Labour councillor and represented St Mary’s ward for another three years.

With his colleagues, Brian oversaw the introduction of popular kerbside recycling and green waste collection schemes in Castle Point and worked on Labour’s local plan in 1998.

He also previously served as the Labour group’s treasurer.

'Great friend'

Former Labour councillor Joe Cooke said his friend was “a man of the highest integrity”.

“His word and what he said was always absolutely the truth,” he said. “He was a great grassroots guy and a great personal friend as well.

“He was our go-to man for the local plan as he was good with details. He absolutely firmly believed in keeping some of our green areas.

“He was sensible and wanted to keep local communities alive.”

Joe added it was “marvellous” Brian remained an active member of the Labour Party.

“It was only in the recent weeks and months he found it difficult to stay involved,” he added. “He was still coming to meetings within the last six months and was a tower of strength when it came to elections.”

Residents have also shared tributes to Brian, who loved annual caravan holidays in France with his wife.

“I’m so sorry to hear this news,” one resident said. “Brian was an absolute gentleman.”