THE death of a long-serving councillor and former mayor has been declared the "end of an era for North East Lincolnshire" by those who worked alongside him.
Tributes have today been paid to Councillor John Colebrook, of Waltham Road, Scartho, who passed away on Boxing Day, aged 75.
He was a Conservative member for the Humberston and New Waltham ward and had previously served as Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Council in 2009-10.
John was first elected to Great Grimsby Borough Council in 1975 and became the authority's final mayor in 1995-96 – ending a heritage that began in 1201.
He was also a former chairman of North East Lincolnshire NHS Trust.
Councillor Keith Brookes, leader of the local Conservative party, said John's passing marked the end of an era in North East Lincolnshire.
He added: "Councillor Colebrook was a long-serving member of both this authority and Great Grimsby Borough Council and during that time he worked hard for whichever ward he served.
"He was well respected for being outspoken and he did not fear standing up and speaking out for the people he represented."
Councillor Chris Shaw, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said he was saddened by the news.
He added: "Councillor Colebrook had immeasurable civic pride and was a huge credit to this authority and previously to Great Grimsby Borough Council.
"When he was Mayor of North East Lincolnshire you couldn't have had a better person for the role.
"He was apolitical and very fair in his job. We always had great pleasure working with him. He took great interest and pride in everything he did."
Councillor Andrew de Freitas, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, added: "Councillor Colebrook is one of the longest-serving members of the council and has made a major contribution to the area.
"He had been ill for some months and it's very sad to hear he has died. My thoughts are with his family."
Councillor Mike Burton, the current Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, said: "It is a sad loss to the council and a sad loss to the family.
"All our sympathy goes to his family and friends."
Further tributes
Details of Councillor Colebrook's funeral service and further tributes will appear in the Grimsby Telegraph.
If you wish to pay your tribute, please comment on this story at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk or e-mail newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk
For more local tributes, log on to www.thisisannouncements.co.uk. Family announcements can also be read from page 26 of today's paper.
