Cllr Nick Geary, ward councillor for Highcliffe & Walkford, who was also a former mayor of Christchurch, died on Friday 8 July.

Paying tribute, council leader Drew Mellor said: “On behalf of BCP Council, I would like to send a message of condolence to the family and friends of one of our serving councillors, Cllr Nick Geary, who sadly passed away last week.

“Cllr Geary was a valued member of the community with a long record of service, having first been elected to Christchurch Borough Council back in 1999. He has also served twice as mayor of the town in 2010, and again in 2017, before successfully standing for election to the newly formed BCP Council in May 2019, representing the people of Highcliffe & Walkford.’’

Fellow ward councillor for Highcliffe & Walkford, Nigel Brooks, said: “It was with immense sadness we learned a few days ago of Cllr Nick Geary’s passing.

“Nick and I were both elected to serve on BCP Council at its inception in 2019 for the Highcliffe & Walkford ward. As a longstanding Christchurch councillor, Nick had an intimate knowledge and understanding of the area and the residents he served. As I was a ‘newbie’, Cllr Nick was most generous with his time helping me to find my feet in the ward. Nick will be sadly missed by many.”