Posted on: Tuesday 19 November 2024
Tributes have been paid to a former Blaenavon county councillor, town councillor and mayor who has died.
Cllr Alan Jones was elected county councillor for Blaenavon in May 2012 and served for nine years before retiring in 2021 due to health reasons.
He was elected to Blaenavon Town Council in September 2011 and was appointed mayor on three occasions.
Speaking in the chamber ahead at the start of today's council meeting, Council Leader Cllr Anthony Hunt said: "We are saddened to hear the passing of former Torfaen Councillor, Alan Jones. Alan was a good friend and colleague and was a fierce advocate for the Blaenavon ward.
"He was an avid supporter of his local sports clubs including Blaenavon Rugby Club. Our thoughts and prays are with his family at this sad time."
During his time with Torfaen Council, Cllr Jones, 73, was a World Heritage Champion and Armed Forces Covenant Champion and was instrumental in the council being awarded gold in the Forces’ Employer Recognition Scheme.
Paying tribute on social media, Cllr Nathan Matthews, Mayor of Blaenavon, said: “Cllr Alan Jones was a devoted champion of Blaenavon. As a councillor on both Blaenavon Town Council and Torfaen Council, he worked tirelessly for many years to deliver positive outcomes for our community and its residents.
"Alan served with distinction as Mayor of Blaenavon on three occasions, a reflection of his dedication and the high regard in which he was held. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help those who sought his support.
“Alan was a well-known and much-loved figure in Blaenavon. Beyond his council duties, he contributed to the town in many ways.
"He served as President of the Blaenavon Branch of the Royal British Legion, was a trustee and life member of Blaenavon RFC, and chaired the Blaenavon Civic Society. His service and commitment to Blaenavon leave a lasting legacy.
"He will be missed. I extend my condolences to Alan’s family and many friends.”