'Great sadness' following death of one of Higham Ferrers' longest serving councillors

Tributes have been paid to one of Higham Ferrers' longest serving councillors.

Higham Ferrers Town Council has expressed its 'great sadness' following the death of Cllr Anna Sauntson who was mayor of the town on three occasions.

A spokesman for the town council said: "It was with great sadness that the town council and staff received the news of the death of Cllr Anna Sauntson.

"Anna was one of our longest serving councillors with over 35 years' service.

"Anna was mayor of the town on three occasions and she always carried out her duties with immense pride and respect for others.

"Having been an active part of the birth of the Tourism Group she has supported it for many years.

"She was also involved in the local neighbourhood plan, where she fought for the towns heritage to be maintained for future generations, and had concerns on how many new developments were being built with a lack of infrastructure to accompany them.

"Anna was passionate about keeping the town's ancient civic traditions, and a great supporter of the local Bedesmen.

"When Higham Ferrers twinned with Hachenburg in Germany, Anna was the person who signed the deed and has since visited on several occasions."

Anna was standing down at these elections due to ill health, but the council spokesman added: "She will be greatly missed on the council as she had a great deal of knowledge and experience which she was always happy to pass on to others."

North Northamptonshire Council (NNC), which took over from East Northants Council on April 1, has also paid tribute to Cllr Sauntson.

Rob Bridge, chief executive of NNC, said: “Elected members and staff at North Northamptonshire Council are deeply saddened by the death of Cllr Anna Sauntson.

“Our condolences and thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

“Cllr Sauntson had served on East Northamptonshire Council for 33 years and was chairman in 2003-2004.

“During her time at East Northants she served mainly on the planning management committee and was also involved with the licensing panel.

"She was always on hand to give advice to local residents with a monthly district council surgery.”

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