TRIBUTES have been paid to a Runcorn councillor who 'left no stone unturned' when trying to help his constituents.

Cllr Harry Howard, 75, passed away following a short illness and had represented Halton Castle for the Labour Party since 2006, winning the seat in a by-election.

He is credited by colleagues with helping save the ward from the axe during a review by the Boundary Commission and represented Halton on the Liverpool City Region transport committee.

A minute's silence was held in his memory at a council meeting on Monday evening at Runcorn Town Hall and colleagues were quick to pay tribute.

Fellow Halton Castle councillor Ellen Cargill, told the World: "Harry was an outstanding councillor, he left no stone unturned to make life better for those who came to him with a difficulty.

"As a ward colleague, we worked hard in hand for the past 15 years I will miss his sense of humour, his abundance of energy and easy going attitude to life itself."

Chris Carlin, who also representes Halton Castle, said: "He was passionate about supporting local community groups and developing community assets such as Phoenix Park Cafe and Norton Priory Museum.  

"But what I will remember Harry for most, is the help and support he provided me with as a less experienced councillor.  

"He will be missed by all who knew him.”

Halton Borough Council leader Cllr Mike Wharton, added: "The sad passing of Harry has come as a great shock to all at the council.

"He was a brilliant advocate for the borough as a member of the Liverpool City Region transport committee.

"He was always professional and when Harry spoke, people listened.

"Colleagues will miss his friendship, his wonderful sense of humour and the help, support and advice he would offer.

“We will all miss him and our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Christine and his family.”

Lyndsay McAteer, Leader of Warrington and Halton Green Party, said: "On behalf of all our members and supporters, I would like to express condolences on the recent death of Harry Howard.

"He was a staunch defender of the community and worked tirelessly for the people of Halton Castle during his 15-year term as borough councillor.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with his family and friends."

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added: "Harry Howard was a committed public servant.

"As a member of our transport committee, he played a key role in developing our plans for a fully integrated, London-style transport system, that will serve the people of the Liverpool City Region, including Halton.

"I know that he will be sorely missed by his colleagues and my thoughts, naturally, are with his friends and family at this sad time."

Lyndsay McAteer, leader of Warrington and Halton Green Party, added: "On behalf of all our members and supporters, I would like to express condolences on the recent death of Harry Howard.

"He was a staunch defender of the community and worked tirelessly for the people of Halton Castle during his 15-year term at Halton Borough Council. Our sympathies and thoughts are with his family and friends."