TRIBUTES have poured in for a former mayor and dedicated councillor who has died aged 89.

Norah Cooney was the longest serving member of Redcar and Cleveland Council – with a political career spanning six decades.

Condolences have been shared across the political spectrum on news of her death over the weekend.

Borough mayor Billy Wells said his thoughts were with her husband Gerard and her family at a sad time.

“Norah’s family can be enormously proud of her dedication to the betterment of lives of others,” said Cllr Wells.

“She was elected to the council in May 1979 and worked passionately for people in her local community and the wider borough.

“Those close to her will remember Norah approaching her time as mayor in 2003-04 with typical devotion and she thoroughly enjoyed representing the borough at events all around our area.”

The Conservative member for the Longbeck ward was first elected in 1979 and held the post of mayor in 2003 and 2004.

Her time as mayor saw her help raise funds for paediatric care on Teesside. She also represented the borough as a member of Cleveland Fire Authority.

“It is no surprise that Norah made good friends across the council chamber and she will be much missed by everyone who worked with her to champion the people of Redcar and Cleveland,” added Cllr Wells.

Cllr Philip Thomson, leader of the Conservative Group, said Cllr Cooney was “first and foremost” interested in those who lived in her Longbeck ward – irrespective of their political persuasion.

He said the group would find it hard to come to terms with the loss.

Cllr Thomson added: “Conservative Group members have all benefited from the kindly nature of Norah, who was a mother figure to some and a source of experience and wisdom to all, qualities that will be sadly missed.

“Our thoughts go out to Gerard, her husband and all members of the family, wishing that our thoughts, prayers and condolences are able to ease the pain of such a parting.

“Our memories are many – and will last well into the long days ahead which will be challenging, with Norah not to be part of the group any more, but encouraged by the experiences shared and the memories stored.”

Labour group leader Cllr Carl Quartermain said Norah was a “lovely, charming lady” who worked on youth employment initiatives such as Redcar Fire Station.

“She was good fun to be with, gracious, supportive and will be missed by us all,” he added.

And the borough’s MPs added their voices to the tributes.

Redcar MP Jacob Young said: “Norah was a phenomenal public servant having given more than 40 years of service to the people of Marske, New Marske, and to the wider borough.

“While serving as both a borough councillor and a parish councillor, Norah had a good sense of humour and a tenacious eye for detail and always stood up for those she felt privileged to represent.

“She will be greatly missed by all of us who knew her and our thoughts are with Ged and the rest of Norah’s family at this most difficult of times.”

Simon Clarke, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, hailed her a “wonderful public servant”.

“She embodied the very best of both our community and Conservatives and she will be missed enormously by so many,” he added. “May she rest in peace.”

An online book of condolence has been opened by the council.

Messages can be sent to: NCcondolences@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk