Councillor Eric Payne

It is with deep regret that Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been informed of the sad passing of Councillor Eric Payne, today, Wednesday 10 October, following a short illness.

Councillor Eric Payne has served the residents of Alcester Ward as a District Councillor since 2007. He was a highly respected member of the District Council and a true gentleman. Eric will be greatly missed within Alcester and the wider district.  

Eric served as Chairman of the District Council between 2011 and 2012, and during his time on the District Council was Vice-Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and served on Planning Committee (West).

Councillor Christopher Kettle, Chairman of Stratford District Council, said: "Today, in Eric, a former Chairman of the Council, we have lost a highly respected and conscientious Councillor, who was well liked and valued by his colleagues.

"Throughout my time as a Councillor, I always recognised in Eric his quiet common sense approach to issues and problems. He was always ready to listen and his comments were always well thought through.

"He devoted much time and energy to the Council both as the former Chairman, carrying the flag for the District, and as a Councillor. We will miss him, and his loss will be felt across the district. Our thoughts at this time, however, are with his wife Maggie and family."

Eric was also a Councillor for Alcester Town Council for over 16 years, during which time he was Town Mayor on two occasions.  

He lived in Alcester all his life, born in Bleachfield Street, the third of seven children, and was educated at St Faith's School.

He spent most of his working life in local light industry and food distribution employed as a Production Operator, and held several managerial positions during that time.

The District Council expresses its sincere condolences to his wife Maggie and all their family and friends.