A STALWART of politics in Dursley has died following a battle against illness.

Brian Marsh, who was the longest-serving present member of Dursley Town Council, has twice served as a Liberal Democrat district councillor.

He first became a member of Dursley Town Council in January 1992 and since then had campaigned on a number of issues affecting the town including the closure of Stroud Magistrates’ Court.

Alongside almost a quarter of a century as part of Dursley Town Council, Mr Marsh represented the town as a member of Stroud District Council during two stints. 

Dennis Andrewartha, who worked with Mr Marsh as a fellow Lib-Dem councillor, said he was a “wonderful spokesman for Dursley”.

He said: “He always put Dursley first in every discussion and every debate.

“He was a wonderful spokesman for Dursley and was sometimes mocked for always prioritising Dursley but he spoke up better than most for the town he lived in.”

“He was a lovely man with a lovely sense of humour and will be sorely missed.”

Having moved to the area in 1947 when his father became manager of FG Bailey’s and Sons Gazette works, he attended Cam Hopton School before moving on to Dursley Secondary Modern School.

After finishing with school, Mr Marsh obtained an apprenticeship at Mawdsley’s as a works apprentice before working as an electrician after leaving in 1956 for national service. 

He also worked for 28 years at R A Lister’s working in the spares department.

First joining Dursley Town Council in early 1992, Mr Marsh spent the next 24 years working for the people of the town, something he described on the council website as “one of the most fulfilling interests in my life”.

Council chairman and town mayor Cllr Neil Grecian said: “It was with sadness that Dursley Town Council learnt of the recent passing of Councillor Brian Marsh. 

“He had served on the council for over 20 years and has been a firm supporter of Dursley and its residents. 

“His wise counsel and experience of local issues will be greatly missed by his fellow councillors. 

“We send our condolences to his wife and family.”

Alongside his work on the town council Mr Marsh was twice elected to represent the town on Stroud District Council - from 2003 until 2007 and from 2010 until 2014.

Councillor Steve Lydon, leader of Stroud District Council, said: “Brian was someone many of us had a soft spot for. His style was always warm and supportive. 

“He was a true champion for the people of Dursley, and will be sorely missed.” 

Mr Marsh died on Tuesday, November 15 at the Vale Community Hospital.