Tributes have been paid to “incredible” Tewkesbury Borough Councillor Elaine MacTiernan who campaigned “loudly” against the controversial "bridge to nowhere" near the M5.
Colleagues have paid tribute to the “kind, witty and hardworking” Northway councillor who died this week at the age of 77 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Cllr MacTiernan was first elected in 2011. And flags will fly at half-mast in tribute at Tewkesbury Borough Council.
She also served on the parish council where she campaigned strongly against the controversial new railway bridge dubbed “bridge to nowhere”.
Cllr MacTiernan’s efforts were also vital in securing funds for the construction of the Northway Community Hub, the local Luncheon Club and the creation of the BMX track on the playing field. Mayor of Tewkesbury Borough Philip Workman (I, Tewkesbury North and Twyning) was among those deeply saddened by her death.
“Her work made a considerable impact on our community, and she tirelessly campaigned on behalf of those within her ward. I am grateful for her wise counsel, patience and good humour and I would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to all who knew her.”
Fellow Northway ward councillor Pauline Godwin (C) said they worked together for many years and she will be missed. Borough Council leader Richard Stanley (LD, Cleeve West) said Elaine was a "huge personality and incredible councillor”.
“She is a tremendous loss to Northway and to Tewkesbury Borough. Elaine was kind, witty and had professionalism and integrity by the bucket loads. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have served alongside her will miss her deeply.”
Borough Council chief executive Alistair Cunningham said the authority was deeply saddened by her death. “Cllr MacTiernan, a remarkable individual who embodied dedication and compassion in her role as a borough councillor,” he said.
“Her vast life experience enriched her work, enabling her to serve with wisdom and integrity. She was a trusted figure among her constituents and officers, always approachable and dependable. Her absence leaves a void that will be keenly felt by all who knew her. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire us.”
Cllr MacTiernan joined Northway Parish Council in 2011 after setting up the Northway Area Homeowners Association, later known as Northway Community Volunteers. She believed she could make more of a difference to the community, and particularly for those who had been flooded in the 2007 floods, by joining the Council – and she did!,” a parish council spokesperson said.
“As well as campaigning for flood alleviation works locally, Elaine managed to resurrect the Northway Youth Club in 2009 after it had been defunct for five years previously. She also helped to organise demolition of the old youth club building on Northway Lane and sale of the land which provided funds to keep the Club up and running to the present day.
“She was pivotal in the building of the Northway Community Hub and secured at least £94,000 funding towards it. She also secured funding towards the local Luncheon Club and creation of the BMX track on Northway Playing Field.
“She strongly and loudly opposed proposals for the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ at the Borough Council and was keenly involved in provision of the new skate park in Northway. During these years, Elaine has worked tirelessly on behalf of Northway and her work ethic, knowledge and understanding, particularly relating to planning in the area, earned her immense respect.
“If Elaine had a view, she was never afraid to put it forward even if she stood alone. As another member of the Parish Council put it, 'she wanted to make change from within, and if ever you wanted a common sense view on something, she could often provide exactly that'.
“She was a huge support to her fellow councillors as well as staff. Elaine also stood as a Borough Councillor for many years and, again, fought Northway’s corner at every opportunity.
"The void Elaine has left will be impossible to fill.”
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