(Reposted from Adur and Worthing Council website)
Tributes have been paid to long-serving Adur District councillor Patrick Beresford who has passed away.
The Adur flag at the Shoreham Centre was flown at half mast last week in memory of the councillor who was first elected to the Council in 1982.
Most recently the Executive Member for Regeneration, Cllr Beresford had a passionate interest in developing the district to attract new business and job opportunities for citizens.
The Lancing man piloted through the Adur District Local Plan which seeks to create employment opportunities, build new homes yet also preserve green spaces.
Projects including the redevelopment of Adur Civic Centre for affordable homes and Shoreham Harbour new homes schemes were all started under his stewardship.
Elected to initially serve the Mash Barn ward as a Liberal Democrat he switched to the Conservative party and won a seat for Churchill ward.
Throughout his time he took a keen interest in planning issues, serving as committee chairman for many years.
He remained Policy Advisor to the Leader of Adur District Council, Cllr Neil Parkin.
Today Cllr Parkin said:
“I am hugely saddened by the loss of Pat who was a friend as well as a colleague. I send my condolences to Pat's partner, Joy.
“Pat was a great servant to Lancing and to the district. When you look around at the progress we are making throughout our communities today, with new homes and job opportunities coming here, much of that is built on the foundation of diligence and hard work that Pat put in throughout the years.
“He was a kind and compassionate man who will be missed by us all.”
With his partner Joy he spent much of his spare time running the Gateway Club in Lancing for adults with learning disabilities. The retired civil servant also loved walking his dog and taking an annual cruise holiday.
His funeral takes place at Worthing Crematorium on 2nd December 2020.
