Tributes paid to Eye councillor who was ‘consummate gentleman’

A loyal supporter of Hartismere Hospital in Eye has been remembered as a committed public servant who championed local people.

Peter Gould, who had represented the Hoxne and Eye division on Suffolk County Council for the last three years, died on July 19. He was 71.

Liz Harsant, chairman of the county council, described his death as a great loss.

“Peter dedicated his life to local politics, including senior positions in local government across the country, and as a committed public servant in Suffolk,” she said.

“He was very well known and respected in his community and achieved a great deal for those living there, including being a staunch advocate for Hartismere Hospital.

“A champion of local people, his loss will be greatly felt, and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this time.”

Born and brought up in Somerset, Mr Gould’s career in local government included roles with Lambeth and Middlesborough councils, before becoming chief executive of Northamptonshire County Council.

After moving to Suffolk, he was heavily involved in local issues, becoming chairman of the Eye Neighbourhood Development Plan and obtaining funding for a study to examine HGV traffic going through the town.

County council leader Matthew Hicks said Mr Gould (pictured left) was “a great sounding board with his many years of experience in local government”, adding that he always valued “his friendship, support and words of wisdom”.

Eye Town Council posted its own tribute on social media on Tuesday, saying: “Peter was the consummate gentleman and friend of so many in Eye. “Our thoughts are with his family, particularly his wife, June.”