A TOWN councillor has died a week before his successor is elected.

Terry Middleton served on Halstead Town Council on behalf of Halstead Residents for nearly ten years, but stepped down in mid-January because of ill health.

The 78-year-old was a keen cricketer, singer, quiz master and family man, but had struggled with heart problems for years. On Wednesday night, he was rushed to hospital, where he later died.

Mr Middleton, of Mallow’s Field, was married to Doreen and had three children, John, Sarah and Nancy.

His close-knit family also included John’s wife Anne, Sarah’s husband Sid, Nancy’s husband Mark, and his five nieces and nephews.

Mr Middleton, who chaired many committees in the town and was involved in numerous groups and societies, was at one time vice-chairman of Halstead’s council.

He would liked to have been mayor, but ill health prevented him.

The by-election to fill Mr Middleton’s seat was called in February, and will take place next Thursday. One candidate, Ken Paisley, is standing for Mr Middleton’s party, and the other, Glenda McCoyd, for Labour.

Halstead mayor and longtime friend of Mr Middleton, David Hume, said: “Terry was a very old and loyal friend, much more than a fellow councillor, who always said what he thought and spoke up for the people of the town.

“Our families have enjoyed so many things together – holidays, cricket, bell-ringing, scrabble, parties – and that really just scratches the surface.

“He has touched the lives of many people in Halstead as a volunteer driver for Braintree Community Transport, through his quizzes for St Andrew’s Church, Age Concern and others, through his concerts, as a cricketer but, above all, as a friend.

“Nothing was ever too much trouble for Terry, and he will be hugely missed.”

Mr Middleton, a retired George Wimpey site manager, was a regular worshipper at St Andrew’s Church, Halstead.

Vicar of St Andrew’s, the Rev John Blore, said: “I think people will be very shocked to hear the news. He had only just stepped down from being councillor and seemed to be coming through his health problems, appeared to be feeling better and enjoying life, and was planning things to do.”

It is thought his funeral will take place next week.