'True gent': Redditch councillor Gareth Prosser dies

Councillor for Crabbs Cross, Gareth Prosser, died on Friday, January 13 and has been described as a ‘kind and warm’ person by his colleagues.

Gareth served on Redditch Borough Council for eight years which included two terms as mayor, making him the only councillor to ever serve two consecutive mayoral terms for the town.

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He was also a portfolio holder for community safety for 2018/19 and regularly served on the licencing committee, overview and scrutiny committee, planning committee and crime and disorder scrutiny panel.

Before becoming a councillor, Gareth served in the police force becoming an inspector for West Mercia Police.

In May last year, Gareth and his wife Lyn were invited to Buckingham Palace to join the Queen's Garden Party which was hosted by the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex.

Cllr Matt Dormer, leader of Redditch Borough Council said Gareth was a ‘wonderful husband to his wife Lynn, a great father, a brilliant granddad and a true friend’.

Gareth Prosser and his wife Lyn outside Buckingham Palace. (Image: Gareth Prosser.)

“Nothing was ever too much trouble for Gareth, he would go to any event whenever he was required and enjoyed every moment of it.

“He was a huge football fan, well if you can call Wolverhampton Wanderers FC a football team.

“He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of meeting him.”

While Gareth served as mayor, the current mayor of the town, Cllr Ann Isherwood was his deputy. 

Cllr Isherwood said he 'lived a life dedicated to his family'.

"As well as his family, Gareth spent his life dedicated to ‘the people’, having spent nearly four decades in the police force and eight years as a devoted councillor, always wanting the best for our town and constituents.

"Even during unprecedented times, he served his Mayoral duties with pride, dedication and more importantly, enjoyment.

"The day that Gareth informed me I was to be his deputy I felt very honoured - he was a steadying hand when I lacked confidence in my own abilities and a friend who I could share my cares with.

"He has touched so many lives in his time and his loss will be felt by many."

Gareth Prosser speaking at a Holocaust Memorial Event outside St Stephen’s Church. (Image: Gareth Prosser.)

Rachel Maclean MP for Redditch said: “I'm deeply saddened to hear that Gareth Prosser has passed away.

"He was committed to public service, first as a policeman and then as a local councillor in Redditch.

"He was also a wonderful mayor of our town.

"Gareth will be missed by so many people. May he rest in peace.”

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Cllr Joanna Monk said she has fond memories with Gareth ‘especially welcoming his guidance and experience in local issues’.

She said he ‘was always helping others and absolutely adored his family’ and undertook his role as mayor with ‘passion and pride’.

Gareth ‘cherished’ his time in the police and ‘loved serving his community’ said Cllr Jo Beecham.

“We were so lucky to get to hear your hearty laugh, your quick wit and all of your football memories,” added Cllr Beecham.