A FORMER mayor of Bewdley who dedicated his life to helping disadvantaged members of the community has died, aged 93.

Ken Peers represented Bewdley and Rock ward as a Conservative member of Worcestershire County Council for a quarter of a century until 2001.

He also served on Bewdley Town Council for 15 years and was mayor of the town in 1978.

After moving to Bewdley from Oxfordshire in 1969, Ken spent his career in metals as a metallurgist, foundry man and merchant.

He had a great interest in education and was chairman of the county council Education Committee for many years. He also served as chairman of governors at St Anne’s Middle School, Far Forest Memorial School and Blakebrook Special School.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Ken Peers was instrumental in setting up the Odell Trust as a registered charity for adults with learning difficulties and mental health issues Ken Peers was instrumental in setting up the Odell Trust as a registered charity for adults with learning difficulties and mental health issues

For many years, Ken served as the vice-chairman of the Kidderminster and District Community Health Council and as chairman of the Fire and Public Protection Committee at County Hall for eight years.

On the committee, Ken led the opposition in the early 1980s against plans to close Bewdley Fire Station - a campaign he won.

Former Bewdley and Rock district councillor Stephen Clee said: "I recall talking to Ken about the situation at the time as in his formidable northern accent, Ken said: 'The problem with the current county councillors is they have no back bone'. I couldn’t agree more."

Stephen added: "Ken led many campaigns in and around the Bewdley and Rock area he will be remembered with great affection by many people connected to the organisations he was involved with. Rest in peace old boy - you played your part with great distinction and dedication”

Ken was also part of the original steering group that set up The Odell Trust as a registered charity in 1984, and through his role as a local councillor, helped to create the Odell Centre in Kidderminster for adults with learning disabilities and metal health issues.

He was chair of trustees for the charity for over 30 years and, after stepping down from the board, took on the role of honorary president - a position he held for the rest of his life.

Paying tribute, Odell Centre manager Craig Darby said: "Ken was very highly thought of by everyone connected to the Odell Centre, as he took great interest in the well-being of both the attendees and staff alike and everyone at the Odell Centre was greatly saddened to hear the news of Ken’s passing.

"Ken’s purpose in life was to serve his local community, with priority given to helping those individuals who were disadvantaged, which he did admirably for many decades.

"Ken was a wonderful, kind and considerate person and a huge figure in the history of the Odell Centre and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him."

Ken passed away on Tuesday, October 13.