TRIBUTES have been paid to a “passionate” and “conscientious” town councillor.

The funeral of Colin Groundsell, who was a Stowmarket town councillor between 2007 and 2011, was held last Wednesday in the town’s St Peter and St Mary’s Church.

Speaking at a town council meeting, Stowmarket mayor Anne Whybrow said: “Colin served this council between 2007 to 2011 inclusive. He was a strong councillor in his way and one of the things he championed was public transport for Stowmarket.

“At his funeral we learnt much more about Colin than we ever knew.”

Town clerk David Blackburn spoke about the Liberal Democrat councillor. He said: “He was passionate about the town, particularly public transport issues and was a highly respected member of the town council.”

Mr Groundsell was the constituency secretary for the Bury St Edmunds branch of the Liberal Democrats.

Wendy Marchant, Liberal Democrat district councillor, attended the funeral. She said: “He was very thoughtful and was always willing to help doing things. He would be very conscientious in his work.”

She said Mr Groundsell had worked as a chef in the army and even cooked a meal for the Queen Mother.

People were invited to The Royal British Legion after the funeral to pay their respects. He brought his culinary skills to good use over the years at several functions and events.