20 Apr 2020 Whittlesea
Fenland District Council's official flag is flying at half-mast at Fenland Hall in March as a mark of respect to Whittlesey councillor Alan Bristow, who died yesterday (April 19).
Alan Bristow, who served on Fenland District Council and Whittlesey Town Council representing the Lattersey Ward, lost his life to an aggressive brain tumour.
Father to Peterborough MP Paul Bristow, Alan was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. Described by his son as a “proud, determined and a born leader”, Alan had been a nurse, NHS manager, soldier, trade unionist and latterly a local politician.
He was elected to Fenland District Council in May 2019, and had served on Whittlesey Town Council since 2008.
Fenland District Council Leader, Cllr Chris Boden, said: “All Members’ thoughts are with Alan’s wife and family at this sad time. Alan was passionately committed to Whittlesey in general and to his own Ward of Lattersey in particular. His level of commitment to public service was something that all councillors would aspire to emulate. Alan was tenacious in pursuing local issues, ranging from road safety initiatives and dog fouling of local pavements to improved local rail services. I think that everybody who knew Alan will miss him.”
Paul Nelson, Chairman of the Hereward Community Rail Partnership, said: "Alan was a long standing member of the Hereward Community Rail Partnership and will be greatly missed. His passion for representing the views of the community on rail issues, especially for Whittlesey residents was constant and commendable. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
Cllr Mrs Kay Mayor, Chairman of Fenland District Council, said: “We are greatly saddened to hear of the death of Alan. He will leave a huge hole in Whittlesey – he was particularly passionate about the transport issues that we have, in particular around the Station and projects surrounding it. I will miss his cheeky smile and Yorkshire humour greatly. His family is in the thoughts of all who knew him at this time.”
Paul Medd, Fenland District Council’s Chief Executive, said: “Alan was a dedicated and hardworking councillor, whose passion for Whittlesey and the whole of the district was clear. He was a true community champion. Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we offer our sincere condolences.”
The flag at Fenland Hall will remain at half-mast in Alan’s honour until his funeral has taken place.