Atherstone town and district councillor passes away

A councillor for Atherstone Town Council and North Warwickshire Borough Council has sadly passed away this week.

Cllr Dawn Downes passed away yesterday (February 25) in hospital.

Cllr Downes was elected to NWBC in 2019 and was a member of the Labour and Co-operative Party, representing the Atherstone and Central Ward.

She also worked as a Theatre Nurse at George Eliot Hospital where she was also the Secretary of her UNISON Branch at the hospital.

Cllr Downes served as a councillor for the Central Ward on Atherstone Town Council.

Leader of the NWBC, Cllr David Wright said; "We are all shocked and saddened by this news and our thoughts go out to Dawn's family and friends, as well as her colleagues at North Warwickshire Borough Council and NHS colleagues.

"Dawn was a popular and passionate councillor and worked incredibly hard for the people of Atherstone, she will be greatly missed."

Cllr Jack Deakin Deputy Leader of the Labour and Co-operative Party said, "Dawn was a well-loved member of the council by both political groups. I know she will be incredibly missed on both sides and we are poorer as an authority for losing her; stronger for having had her.

"Over the course of yesterday, I was surprised to see online how truly well-known she was. Many of the tributes I've seen to her state that they met Dawn at a difficult time in their life, their troubles made easier by the help and love offered by Dawn.

"I know many of us will remember her in this light. Her brilliant sense of humour, generosity, raw compassion and sense of public service will be remembered by us all."

The borough flag is currently flying at half-mast, as a mark of respect.