THE people of Warrington have lost one of their most committed councillors, after former Mayor Albert Clemow died at the weekend.

Clr Clemow, aged 67, had just started a family holiday in Wales when he died from suspected heart problems.

The Poulton north councillor, whose name was synonymous with justice, was a fiery debater who never missed an opportunity to fight for the rights of his constituents.

As a long time member of the borough council's development control committee, on Wednesday night last week he could be seen and heard passionately speaking up for residents in his beloved Fearnhead and Poulton North ward. The Town Hall flag flew at half-mast on Monday as word of his death spread and tributes flooded into the Warrington Guardian offices. His funeral is on Monday at 2pm at St Elphin's Parish Church.

Despite battling a recent period of poor health, it had seemed the vociferous man of the people was back on form, fighting for the rights of the underdog.

Clr Clemow was Poulton North councillor for 19 years, served on the parish council for 23 years and was elected Mayor of the town in 1998, with his wife Jean, a former parish councillor for Poulton with Fearnhead, his Mayoress.

Helen Jones, MP for Warrington North, said: "Albert was a tenacious councillor who represented Poulton North and the town of Warrington with great distinction.

"He fought for his constituents with a real passion and will be sorely missed. It was not for nothing that he was described as a terrier when battling for the people he represented.

"He was also a fine family man and someone I was proud to know and call a friend."

Close friend and former fellow Poulton North councillor Mick Curran said: "Albert had the respect of councillors from all political parties. When he opened his mouth everyone listened because he always spoke the truth."

Clr Mike Hannon, a friend and colleague, said: "In losing Albert we've lost a little bit of Warrington. It is a loss for the Labour group, for the council and most of all for the town. If you wanted someone to fight your corner you couldn't find a better man than Albert because he wouldn't let things go. Whatever he was asked to do, he gave 110 per cent. We have lost a remarkable person and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."