COMMUNITIES came together today (Tuesday, 6 May) for a fitting send-off for a "devoted" councillor who was "a giant of Basildon politics."  

The funeral for former Wickford Independents councillor David Harrison was held in Basildon Town Centre, with various tributes being paid to him.

Mr Harrison, who took on many roles at Basildon Council in his lifetime, died at the end of March after a long period of ill health.

Last year on Christmas Eve, he returned to his home after staying in Broomfield and Basildon Hospitals for urological treatment that ended up with him having a stroke.

Images shared by the council show floral tributes, the hearse and the order of service. Among the roles he held were Wickford Park Councillor and former Mayor of Basildon. 

A spokesman for Basildon Council said : "Today, we join together to honour the life and legacy of councillor David Harrison. David devoted much of his life to serving the people of our borough, having first been elected in 1971. Over a remarkable span of 54 years, he served as a councillor in Basildon for 36 years, always with dedication and integrity.

"Among his many contributions, he welcomed Muhammad Ali to the district as Chairman in 1986, and later, as Mayor in 2017, he had the privilege of greeting the now Princess of Wales. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones."

Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Labour council leader, previously paid tribute to Mr Harrison, saying: "David was a giant of Basildon politics for decades, and I think I may be right in saying he was the longest-serving councillor in the history of Basildon Council.

"He pushed the cause for regeneration, investment and status for the town he loved so much. He was everything a councillor should be – a community champion to his core. David was incredibly effective as a councillor. He got things sorted, and if he couldn't do it quickly, he'd not stop trying until it was done. From mending a fence to building a house, he understood the importance of community politics, and he was a fearless champion for it.

"I'm proud to have known him and to have worked with him to make the Basildon that he loved that little bit better. My heart goes out to his wife, Linda, and to all of David's family at this difficult time."