Tributes have been paid to Clive James, a former councillor and mayor of Bridgend County Borough Council.
As a councillor, Clive spent many years representing the residents of Pyle and Kenfig Hill, and also served as Mayor of Bridgend County Borough during 2013-14. He was deeply committed towards his local community, and spent almost twenty years as a firefighter with South Wales Fire and Rescue based at Kenfig Hill station.
The Leader, Cllr Huw David, said: “A keen and active member of Kenfig Hill and District Male Voice Choir, Clive would often talk about his special interest in the emergency services, and was present in the control room of Hinkley Point when the atomic pile rods were removed from the power station.
“Clive was later the first ever recipient of the chairman’s award for outstanding services to the community from South Wales Fire and Rescue, and also received an award from South Wales Police for his long and exemplary service as a volunteer custody visitor.
“Throughout his term as Mayor of Bridgend County Borough, he fostered and encouraged closer links between local organisations and the emergency services, and maintained contact with personnel ranging from ambulance paramedics to mountain rescue teams.
“Thanks to his own background, Clive had a particular insight into their work, and was keen to ensure that they received recognition and support for the valuable roles that they continue to play.
“You always had a smile, a joke and a gift of a sweet whenever you saw Clive. His warm, humorous and generous nature made him very popular with people. He was a colleague who quickly became my friend, and he will be greatly missed by so many in the community.
“Our thoughts now are with Clive’s beloved wife, Pauline, his sons Mark and Nathan, his grandchildren, and his wider family.”
As a mark of respect and in recognition of his service as a former Mayor, a minute’s silence was held at the meeting of full Council on Wednesday 13 March, and flags outside the Civic Offices were flown at half-mast.
His funeral will take place at Margam Crematorium on Thursday 28 March at 12 noon.