A MEETING of the county council's overview and scrutiny committee was paused on Thursday (December 9), following the death of much-respected Hitchin councillor Paul Clark.

Mr Clark sadly died from Covid earlier this week, prompting a raft of tributes to the popular councillor.

The late Liberal Democrat councillor – who was a member of the committee – had been elected to the county council in May, representing the Hitchin South division.

Mr Clark served as a district councillor between 1995 to 1999, then from 2001 to 2015, and 2016 to the present day.

He was a ward member for Hitchin Highbury for his entire service and served on many committees, including the Cabinet Panel on Housing, Strategic Planning and Transport.

Before pausing the meeting for 'reflection', committee chair Cllr David Andrews said: "We have, of course, yesterday lost a fellow member and colleague Cllr Paul Clark.

"Sadly it appears he fell victim to Covid.

"Paul had only recently joined us, but he had for several decades – I think over three decades – served on North Herts Council and was currently the deputy leader.

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"We will be recognising him and his service more formally, I anticipate, next week.

"But in the meantime I think is only proper that I offer you the opportunity, which I certainly will take, of having just a moment's reflection on the loss of our colleague yesterday."