A VETERAN councillor and loyal member of the trade union movement has died at the age of 74.

Cllr Bernie Taylor, who represented Middlesbrough's Ayresome Ward, passed away this week following a short illness.

A former Cleveland county councillor, he became a Middlesbrough councillor in 1995 and represented Ayresome Ward ever since his election.

As a ward member he championed the Acklam Green regeneration development and worked with residents and the council to get the project back on track after it stalled.

He has been chair of Middlesbrough Council’s licensing committee for more than 13 years, and as a boiler maker was an active GMB Union member and official.

Cllr Taylor was also chair of the Council’s education committee for many years.

A practising Roman Catholic who was active in his local church community, Cllr Taylor leaves a wife Joan, two sons and daughter.

Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “Over 40 years of public life, Bernie Taylor has made a huge contribution to Middlesbrough.

“Bernie’s solid socialist principles and passion for our area have always inspired colleagues and earned the respect of political opponents.

“Bernie always showed utter dedication to the community which elected him.

“Without Bernie’s tenacity and commitment, we would not have been able to get the regeneration of Acklam Green back on track.

“His integrity, passion and knowledge will be sorely missed by us all.”