TRIBUTES have been paid to a former long-serving member of Malvern Hills District Council and the Hills Conservators.

John Tretheway represented the Wells ward on the district council for many years before his retirement in 2007, and he served as the council’s chairman in 1996/7.

Mr Tretheway was also a member of the board of Malvern Hills Conservators for many years and served on Malvern Wells Parish Council.

He died peacefully in hospital and a funeral service took place yesterday at Little Malvern Priory.

Tom Wells, leader of the Lib Dem group, which Mr Tretheway belonged to, said: “John was an exemplary councillor, serving the people of Malvern Wells with distinction.”

Helen Burrage, chairman of Malvern Wells Parish Council, said: “John served the community of Malvern Wells in a multitude of ways.”

Stephen Bound, the Conservators’ director, said: “He was an enthusiastic and dedicated member of the board. We were saddened to hear of his death and our thoughts are with his family.”