STROUD district councillors have paid tribute to a ‘brave’ and ‘tenacious’ friend who worked tirelessly for Nailsworth.

At a meeting of the full council tonight, Thursday, members held a moment of silence for Cllr Paul Carter who died this morning after a short illness.

Cllr Carter was elected to the district council in May 2011 as a Conservative representative for Nailsworth.

Fellow Nailsworth councillors Dorcas Binns and Steve Robinson both shared fond memories of their time working with Cllr Carter for their ward.

“He worked tirelessly for Nailsworth and never expected any praise for everything he did for the community,” said Cllr Robinson (Labour)

“If I ever manage to get half of what he has done for Nailsworth in my time as a councillor I will be very pleased with myself.”

Cllr Binns (Con, Nailsworth) called Cllr Carter a ‘great, great friend’ and spoke fondly of the numerous times he acted as a campaign manager for her district and county council elections.

“He had a wicked side to him which he showed during campaigning when he would wear the most colourful of outfits including green trousers and Hawaiian shirts.

“I can even remember the time when he showed up to Neil Carmichael’s office for a meeting wearing a pair of sunglasses that were shaped as cocktail glasses.

“But throughout it all he was a great, great friend and I will miss him.”

Conservative group leader Keith Pearson spoke of Cllr Carter’s tenacious attitude and how he had become a friend during his four years as a district councillor.

The Green Party, Labour and Lib Dem group leaders also praised Cllr Carter’s dedicated work ethic as a district councillor particularly on the development control committee.