Former Battle mayor and town councillor dies

Ron Harris passed away on May 24, aged 84.

He was elected in May 2003 and retired in August 2013. During his tenure Ron served as council chairman three times, as well as being the chairman of the planning committee for several years.

His friend and former town clerk, Peter Mills, said: “He had enormous pride in the town and, during his periods as mayor, always represented it with style and dignity. That said, Ron was not someone who sought the limelight. It would be hard to overstate his contribution to the work of the council, particularly in terms of emphasising its role in the local community and raising the council’s profile both within and beyond the town boundaries. This was highlighted when in November 2007 the council was awarded Quality Council status, an accolade which not only acknowledged high standards of management but also reflected effective communication with residents.”

The town council said Ron would ‘strip a problem to its essentials and resolve issues using old-fashioned common sense’.

In a statement, the council reported: “Careful financial management and planning was at the forefront of Ron’s thinking throughout his time as a member of the council. During his three years as chairman he ensured any increase in the precept was justified and kept to a minimum, and sufficient reserves were accumulated so the cost of forward plans could be evened out in the coming years.

“There could be no better example of his pride in the town when, during his years as chairman, the council hosted the Battle in Bloom awards in the Almonry garden. His support for the competition was reinforced when he presented his own trophy for the best new entry.”

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