A long-serving Lichfield councillor has died.

Councillor John Wilks during his time as chairman of Lichfield District Council
Councillor John Wilks during his time as chairman of Lichfield District Council

John Wilks served the St John’s ward on Lichfield District Council between 1987 and 1995 and from 2003 to 2014.

The 84-year-old died at Queen’s Hospital in Burton yesterday (September 14).

Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: “It has been an honour to work with John Wilks over the years.

“He served the people of Lichfield District with great enthusiasm and commitment. He thought clearly and had strong opinions which he stood by, and was always available with advice and guidance.

“Taking an active role in his community, John was approachable and glad to support local residents. He also took a keen interest in St Mary’s in the Market Square and was one of the key members who inspired the partnership between the Guild of St Mary’s and the district council, who are working together to secure the future of this important venue.

“On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our sympathies to John’s family and friends. We will all miss his fighting spirit and passion.”

Lichfield’s MP Michael Fabricant also paid tribute to Cllr Wilks’ work with residents of Lichfield.

“I saw John only last week so I was shocked to hear of his passing,” he said. “He served the community well for decades as both a councillor and as an individual and I will be one of many who will miss him.”

Tributes have also come in from the other side of the political divide.

The leader of the Labour opposition group on Lichfield, Cllr Steve Norman, said: “John clearly had Lichfield in his heart and had a lot of experience.

“I have a fond memory of him as Chairman of the district council when he was very welcoming to the children from Chasetown Community School, where I am Chair of Governors, when we had arranged for them to visit the council chamber and the chairman’s room. He gave us a lot of time and was not phased by any of their questions – no matter how unexpected!”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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Steve
9 years ago

RIP John. You served your community with all your heart. Thank you