Tributes paid to former Redditch Council chairman Adrian Bedford-Smith

The flag at Redditch Town Hall was flown at half mast to mark the passing of 87-year-old Mr Bedford-Smith, who died on May 15 after suffering a brain haemorrhage following a fall.

The Conservative councillor was first elected to represent Astwood Bank and Feckenham in 1971.

During his time serving the community he was chairman from 1978 to 1979.

An architect and town planner by trade, Mr Bedford-Smith was well known for his love of planning, wanting to share his knowledge and training in architecture, bringing it to the front to ensure what was being done at the time was the very best it could be.

He was passionate about any plans not only being well designed and thought out but wanted to make sure they were environmentally friendly and when discussing housing, that they were fit for purpose.

He felt it was important that people had a house, somewhere safe they could live.

As well as having a passion for planning, Mr Bedford-Smith was keen to boost industry in Redditch and over the years championed many local firms.

He retired from the council in 1995.

A lifelong rugby and cricket fan, away from his council duties he was passionate about supporting education, the Armed Forces (being an ex navy man), and Redditch's Alexandra Hospital, where he received treatment.

Daughters Rosemary Carter and Rosalind Campbell described their dad as dedicated, kind, caring, and extremely passionate.

"He had a real commitment to hard work," they said.

"Even after retiring he had a lot of energy, he loved keeping active and was still interested in what was going on in the town.

"He wanted to inspire people, in any walk of life. He wanted to tell them they could do whatever they wanted to do, tell them that they really could make a difference.

"If he could have said one thing it would have been 'we're here to make a difference - be what you want to be and just go for it'."

They added: "He was a great family man. It did feel like we had to share him with the community at times as he was very busy but always had time for his family. He was there to pick us up from school and to ferry us to wherever we needed to go."

Councillor Juliet Brunner, leader of the conservative party, paid tribute to Mr Bedford-Smith.

"He was a long serving Tory councillor who was noted for his love of planning," she said.

"During his time as a councillor he made a great contribution to the development of Redditch.

"Even after retiring he wrote frequent letters to me on the subject."

She added: "He will be sadly missed."

He and his wife Mary had two daughters, Rosemary and Rosalind, and three grandchildren.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 31 at St John the Baptist Church in Feckenham at 11am.

Those wishing to pay their respects are welcome.