TRIBUTES have poured in for a long-standing Vale of Glamorgan councillor and former mayor who died recently.
Labour councillor for the Barry ward of Illtyd, Cllr Howard Hamilton, who passed away last weekend, also served as an elected member of Barry Town Council from 2008.
He served as town mayor from 2009-10 and was elected to Vale of Glamorgan Council in 2012, also serving a period as mayor there between 2014-15.
The current mayor of Barry, Cllr Dennis Clarke, said: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Councillor Hamilton, former Mayor of Barry.
“I have fond memories of working alongside him at Gibbonsdown Children’s Centre.
“On behalf of all councillors and staff at Barry Town Council, I send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
In a joint statement, Vale of Glamorgan Council and Barry Town Council described Cllr Hamilton as a passionate advocate for disabled members of the community through his work as a disability champion at Vale Council and sitting on the executive committee for Wales Council for the Blind.
The statement also said he had a long-standing involvement with the management committee at Barry YMCA, which “reflected his deep commitment to supporting young people and fostering inclusive community spaces”.
The leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cllr Lis Burnett, said: “Councillor Howard Hamilton was a committed and compassionate leader who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of many across our communities.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones and all who knew him.”
Residents also shared their condolences online after Barry Town Council and Vale of Glamorgan posted their statement on Facebook.
One resident called Cllr Hamilton a, “great councillor and a lovely person”, who will be, “sorely missed”.
Another said: “Howard was a dedicated councillor and a lovely man.”
Other roles Cllr Hamilton held on Vale of Glamorgan Council include chair of the trust committee, chair of the discretionary housing payments review committee and vice chair of the early retirement/redundancy committee.
Flags outside Barry Town Council and Vale of Glamorgan Council buildings were at half mast on Wednesday, 9th July, and arrangements are being made for the flags to also fly at half-mast on the day of Cllr Hamilton’s funeral.
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