TRIBUTES have been paid to former mayor and “passionate advocate for the people of our community” Cllr Dennis Teasdale.

Tributes were paid to a much-loved former mayor and serving councillor who has died this week.

Councillor Dennis Teasdale served as Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland from 2018 to 2019 and had previously been Town Mayor of Guisborough on two occasions.

The highly dedicated public servant had worked in local government for many years before being elected as a councillor to Guisborough Town Council in 2011 and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council for the Guisborough ward in 2015.

Cllr Teasdale was in his early 70s and leaves two children, five grandchildren and his wife of more than 50 years, Honor.

His many achievements include serving on the Guisborough Town Hall Gateway Project which has secured significant investment for the town and becoming Chair of the Council’s Growth, Enterprise and Environment Scrutiny & Improvement Committee and Vice-Chair of the Children’s Services Scrutiny & Improvement Committee.

In his term as Mayor, he raised more than £8,600 for Guisborough & District Friends of Cancer Research and the Guisborough & East Cleveland Sea Cadets. Highlights during his time as Mayor included receiving The Yorkshire Regiment’s Freedom of the Borough Parade and meeting HRH Princess Anne when she opened a new Citizens Advice Bureau in Redcar.

The Conservative councillor was also a well-known figure in local non-league football and cricketing circles for many years.

The Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Cllr Billy Wells, said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned that Cllr Dennis Teasdale has passed away and our thoughts today are very much with his family and friends.

“Dennis was a dedicated servant of local government, both in his professional career and through his election onto both Guisborough Town Council and from 2015, on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

“He was a passionate advocate for the people who elected him and campaigned tirelessly to make a real difference in his community. He will also be remembered as a friend and colleague by everyone at both Guisborough Town Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.”

Cllr Philip Thomson, Leader of the Conservative Group on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “It was with a heavy heart that Conservative Group members received the news that Councillor Dennis Teasdale had passed away. Dennis Teasdale was a firm friend and colleague with whom it was a great pleasure to work.

“His service and dedication to Redcar & Cleveland Council was clear for all to acknowledge. As Chair of the Growth, Enterprise and Environment Scrutiny & Improvement Committee and so recently elected to the additional post of Vice Chair of Children's Services Scrutiny and Improvement Committee, Dennis was willing to take on responsibilities well in excess of a normal serving councillor.

“All who worked with Dennis found a patient and understanding servant of the community, willing to listen but with strong views on matters of principle and social justice. He shall be missed across the political spectrum and amongst council officers with whom he worked for many years, first as a council employee himself and then latterly over many years as a representative of Guisborough Ward. Many tributes will undoubtedly be paid at the full Council meeting on Thursday, 27 August. Our thoughts and prayers are with Honor and all the family members at this very sad time.”

Cllr Carl Quartermain, Labour Leader for Redcar & Cleveland, said: "Dennis was the definition of a true gentleman. He was very much liked by all who met him and was sincerely admired and respected as a thoroughly decent fatherly figure.

"As a councillor and mayor he was exemplary, reliable and conscientious and would always step up when called upon. I worked with Dennis on numerous committees and occasionally we would sporadically inspect Guisborough leisure centre together, to ensure it adhered to the highest standards.

"He was diligent and took his duties seriously and with grace. I am so shocked and deeply moved to hear he wasn’t able to win his fight. He will be sorely missed by us all. On behalf of myself and the Labour Group our sincere condolences to his family and friends."