Tributes have been paid to a North Weald Bassett Parish Councillor who died yesterday.

Cllr Brian Bartram, 71,who represented Hastingwood ward was found dead next to his car outside of his home in North Weald on Monday, May 20.

It is still unclear what was the cause of Cllr Bartram’s death, but it understood he was suffering from ill health for some time.

Fellow representor of Hastingwood ward and vice-chairman of the parish council, Cllr Brian Eldridge, described Cllr Bartram as an “excellent parish councillor”.

“He was a very pleasant person, very knowledgeable who volunteered for many things and hardly missed a meeting over the years.”

It was also confirmed Cllr Bartram was in attendance of the latest council meeting on held on Monday, May 13.

The Hastingwood Ward representative leaves behind a brother based in Newcastle.

Chairman of North Weald Bassett Parish Council, Alan Buckley, said the news came a surprised to him and the other councillors.

“He had been on the council for a number of years,” he said. “He was also the previous chairman for the Queens Hall charity for us and was always at our meetings.

“He was a valid member of the parish council who will be sorely missed.”

Alongside his council duties Cllr Bartram was also a committee member of Hastingwood Village Hall and member of the English Heritage.

A Twitter post uploaded by the parish council earlier today said:“@NorthWealdPC is sad to announce the death of Cllr Brian Bartram.

“The flag in North Weald will remain at half-mast for one week in recognition of his service as Councillor and as Chairman of the Royal British Legion.”