Respected councillor dies

Mr Redman passed away on Thursday, September 20. His death at the age of 86 brings to a close a distinguished political career which spanned four decades. He was first elected to the district council in 1991 and served as an Independent member representing Arundel for 12 years.

Mr Redman served as chairman of the district council from 1995 to 1996 and was made an honorary alderman in 2004.

He was the 21st chairman of the council, the first non-Conservative councillor to be elected as Arun's civic leader and the first Arun chairman to represent Arundel.

As well as serving as a district councillor, Mr Redman was elected to the then Arundel Borough Council in 1965 and served as mayor of Arundel nine times. Before retiring, he worked as a radio and electrical contractor and during the Second World War he served in India and Burma.

Mr Redman also served as a Justice of the Peace and was honorary freeman of the borough of Arundel. A meeting room at Arundel Town Council was named the Redman Room in recognition of his work for the community.

Arun District Council's Chief Executive Ian Sumnall said: 'Bill was an energetic local councillor who put in a great deal of work and loved the area he represented.

'He always represented Arundel and its interests, which he spoke about from deep knowledge at every opportunity in council. He was the first non-Conservative chairman of the council and brought great distinction to the role with his affable but businesslike approach to council meetings.

'We are all very sad to have lost him but grateful for the service he has given and extend our sympathies to his wife and family.'

Chairman of Arun District Council Graham Tyler will lead a minute's silence to Mr Redman at the next full council meeting. He said: 'Bill was a greatly respected colleague who dedicated his energies to serving Arundel.

'He was a trusted friend of many as he took on any challenge to serve the community. He will be sorely missed by us all but especially by his wife Violet and his family to whom we send our sincere sympathies.'