It is with deep regret that we announce today the
death of Ashford East Ward Councillor Patricia Weston.
Cllr
Weston was first elected as a Conservative member of the Council
in March 2000 for the Ashford North Ward. She was then elected in May 2003 to represent Ashford East
Ward and re-elected in May 2007. She continued as ward councillor until her death on 30 August. An Ashford
resident since 1967, Cllr Weston was married to Roger with two children, Mark and Leanne, both of whom
were educated at local schools, and four grandchildren Sasha, Liam, Ryan and Nathan. Cllr Weston also
worked locally and was a retired Senior Sales Negotiator. She was also Chairman for the Sunbury and
Walton Sea Cadets.
Her work for the Council spanned many different areas – she served on
the former Economic Committee and Democracy Committee and then served on both the Planning and
Licensing Committees. From September 2001 – May 2003 she chaired the Licensing Committee.
Cllr Weston became Mayor in May 2005 and during her mayoral year she
chose as her personal charities, the Breast Cancer Unit at Ashford hospital, One-to-One, a local group
for people with learning difficulties and the CREST Information and Support Cancer Centre, of which
Cllr Weston was a co-founder. She was a tireless ambassador for the Borough and referred often to the
many events and interesting people she met including Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and his wife, Sophie.
In later years, she chaired the Waste Management Task Group with a vital
scrutiny role in connection with the introduction of changes to the rubbish and recycling collection
arrangements which took place in September 2007. Cllr Weston was a key party to the decision to push
forward with the new arrangements so as to encourage residents to recycle more.
Council Leader John Packman said: “Pat Weston
was a tireless fighter for the local community, involving herself completely in a huge variety of local
issues. Never a person to take ‘no for an answer’ unless she was completely satisfied, she carried out
her duties as a local councillor with passion and determination. She faced her illness with equal courage.
Our thoughts are with her husband, Roger, and the other members of her family.”
Chief Executive, Roberto Tambini added: “Cllr
Weston’s persistence was legendary. She was always first to ask a telling question and the first to
challenge a less than satisfactory answer. She rightly expected others to work with the same effort
and resolve that she did and demanded high standards. She will be greatly missed for the contribution
she has made to the workings of this authority”.
Spelthorne Mayor, Cllr Simon Bhadye said: “I
am proud and privileged to follow in a long line of strong Spelthorne Mayors of whom Pat was one. With
her personal blend of energy and enthusiasm, Pat encouraged people all over the Borough to give their
time to help the less fortunate in the community”.
Opposition Leader Cllr Colin Strong said: “Pat
Weston carried out the role as ward councillor as it should be – with dedication and tenacity. She never
gave up on the causes closest to her heart and was a true residents’ champion.”
