TRIBUTES have been paid to long-serving former Basildon Labour councillor Alf Dove, who has died, aged 95.

Mr Dove represented Fryerns ward on the council for 43 years and was a one-time chairman of the council. He was made an MBE for his service to local government.

He died peacefully at his home last Wednesday with his family at his side.

Mr Dove has left behind an important legacy in the shape of the Alf Dove Award, which was instituted in 2001 and is awarded annually to citizens who make significant contributions to the community.

He was chairman of Basildon Council from 1963 until 1964, and worked as the manager of the Co-op shop on the Fryerns estate, and before that, manager of the food hall at the old Co-op department store in Basildon town centre.

Nigel Smith, deputy leader of the Labour group on Basildon Council was among those who paid tribute to Mr Dove’s hard work and good humour.

Mr Smith started his political career as a ward councillor alongside Mr Dove in the Seventies. He said: “He was a brilliant guy and very committed to Basildon. He was a first-rate councillor, and you don’t see that very often these days.

“Alf was a people person and just wanted to serve the people of Basildon. The community really does owe a lot to him.

“He used to sign off his letters ‘from your friendly neighbour’ – and that’s exactly what he was.”

A keen gardener, Mr Dove often loved to spent time working on his allotment.

Mr Dove was one of the first 100 residents to move to the Fryerns estate when it was built in 1952.

He joined the local Labour party in the same year and served as a councillor from 1956 until 1999.

After standing down from the council, he remained involved with the local party, continuing to campaign for Labour. His proudest political moments included seeing the introduction of comprehensive schools across Basildon, and the opening of Basildon Unemployed Workers’ Centre in the Eighties.

Tory council leader Phil Turner said : “I would like to convey our deepest sympathies to his family at this very difficult time."