Tributes have come in to former county council chairman Dr Alan Lower who has died at the age of 83.

Dr Lower was elected Liberal Democrat councillor for Stowmarket in 1993 and held the seat until he retired from the authority in 2001.

He was chairman in 1999-2000 and during his time at the authority he was vice-chairm of the social services committee.

Current LibDem group leader David Wood said Dr Lower was the first councillor to welcome him to the authority when he won his Peninsula Division seat in a by-election in 2000.

He added: “You could not wish to meet a more thoughtful kinder person than Alan, he was a dedicated Councillor who always had time for everyone and was always available to give any help or advice.

“He was also well respected and liked by councillors from all parties and will be greatly missed.”

After retiring from the council, Dr Lower was chair of the independent remuneration committee which advised on the allowances that should be paid to councillors.

Current council vice chairman Jane Storey knew Dr Lower at both the county and at Mid Suffolk councils.

She said: “He was a very nice man and very well respected by everyone. I didn’t know him as a county councillor, but did know him as chairman of the remuneration committee.

“He was always very careful and made sure things were done right.”