Tree planted to remember long-serving councillor

Councillors Ernest Gibson, Ken Dawes and Doreen Purvis (left to right) attend the tree planting

A cherry tree has been planted in memory of one of South Tyneside's longest serving councillors.

Former mayor Bill Brady served the Whiteleas ward of South Shields for three decades before dying in 2022 at the age of 87.

The tree was planted by current ward councillors in recognition of Mr Brady's commitment to the community.

One of them, Councillor Ernest Gibson said the "kind, honest, loveable" Mr Brady was known as 'Mr Whiteleas'.

'No nonsense'

Mr Gibson and his fellow Whiteleas councillors Ken Dawes and Doreen Purvis planted the memorial tree.

The late mayor "passionately supported the community he represented", Mr Gibson said.

He added: "He fought hard for local people and was very well respected by all those who knew him.

"With his strong personality and his ‘no nonsense’ style, he was also a great force to be reckoned with."

Mr Brady was mayor of South Tyneside from 1996 to 1997

Mr Brady was first elected to South Tyneside Council in 1992 and announced his intention to step down just months before his death.

Beyond the council chamber, he had worked as a miner at Whitburn Colliery until its closure in 1968 and as a heating and ventilation fitter for the council until his retirement.

The cherry tree stands in the ward Mr Brady served for decades

On behalf of the Whiteleas ward councillors, Mr Gibson said: "This cherry tree is a fitting tribute to Bill in the area he lived in, and served for three decades."

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