THE family of popular councillor Mike Assenheim, who died last week, have paid tribute to him.

Mr Assenheim, 74, was Independent councillor for Shoebury ward.

Tributes have poured in from residents and friends, mourning the passing of the dedicated councillor known as “Mr Shoebury”.

Yesterday, his wife Evelyn, of Elm Road Shoebury, his sons Jason and Ricky Assenheim and his daughter Hannah Fischer issued a statement.

It said: “The Assenheim family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has provided their condolences and support to us since the passing of our beloved Michael - husband, father, brother, and grandfather.

“We have really been overwhelmed with the kind words that we’ve received from all sections of the community and this has been so appreciated we felt compelled to communicate this publicly.

“Of course, we as a family will miss him greatly, however, as we move forward, we can take a lot of comfort from knowing what a positive impact he had on the people he touched and helped every day and made obvious through the words in the many condolences we’ve received.”