August 1, 2011 3.49 pm This story is over 159 months old

Deputy County Council leader dies aged 73

County Councillor Barry Singleton is being remembered as a ‘hard-working and much-respected’ public servant.

The Deputy Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Councillor Barry Singleton, died on Saturday, July 30, after battling a long period of illness.

He had been a District Councillor for Sleaford’s Quarrington and Mareham Ward since 1999, giving 12 years of dedicated service, up until his retirement at the May elections.

He was also a member of Lincolnshire County Council for 10 years, where he was latterly Deputy Group Leader.

Councillor Singleton had represented the Sleaford West and Leasingham Division since his election to the council in June 2001 and his executive portfolio included ICT and Corporate Development.

Martin Hill, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Barry had been bravely fighting illness for some time, but that did not prevent him continuing his sterling work as a councillor and deputy leader.

“The county council was a better place for the presence of Barry and his loss will be keenly felt. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Shirley, and his family at this sad time.”

North Kesteven District Council Chief Executive Ian Fytche said: “Barry was a respected, hard-working councillor both for North Kesteven and for Lincolnshire County Council.

“I am sure he will be greatly missed by those who knew him and worked with him and the wider town, District and County communities he served so well.”

NKDC Leader Marion Brighton received the news of Mr Singleton’s death on Saturday afternoon with great sadness:

“Barry was a significant member of North Kesteven District Council and throughout his 12 years his enthusiasm and sense of purpose were greatly respected by all of his colleagues.

“His drive, knowledge and straight-forward nature proved to be especially invaluable when he took on the key post of chairman of the Council’s audit committee,” Brighton said.