Long-serving West Berkshire Councillor Keith Lock passes away

By Helen Duffett | Mon 14th February 2011 - 1:08 pm

Liberal Democrat Councillor Keith Lock, who represented Mortimer Ward in West Berkshire, died on Saturday night in hospital in Reading, having broken his hip a few weeks ago.

Keith had been a Councillor for West Berkshire and the predecessor Newbury District Council for 38 years. During that time he had twice held the positions of Leader and Chairman of Council.

The Reading Chronicle reports:

The Lib Dem councillor, who was born in Welling, Kent, moved to Mortimer in 1969 and sat on West Berkshire Council from its formation in 1998, having also served on its predecessor, Newbury District Council, since it was formed in 1973.

He served as leader on both councils, from 1994-7 and 1999-2001, and as chairman, from 1993-4 and 2003-4.

West Berkshire’s Lib Dem leader, Jeff Brooks, said: “Keith is like the father of the council, with 37 years’ devotion to his community.

“He has been an absolute credit to the people of West Berkshire. Never overtly political, he was respected right across the council and was a committed statesman. Keith was a very wise guy and we will miss him greatly.”

3 Comments

Mark Valladares 14th Feb '11 - 1:38pm

Having worked with Keith on occasion myself, I would certainly describe him as one of the good guys. He was polite, helpful and effective, and the residents of Mortimer will be very, very lucky if his successor turns out to be half as committed to public service.

My thoughts go to Mollie, his wife, who was also his fellow ward councillor.
Liberal Neil 14th Feb '11 - 2:47pm

I’m sorry to hear about this.

Keith was a true gent and always a pleasure to work with. He will be very sadly missed in West Berks and by the many people who knew him across South Central Region.
Gareth Epps 14th Feb '11 - 3:59pm

Really sad news. Keith was a proper local champion, who served Mortimer for 38 years. A True Star.

Like Mark, my thoughts go out to Mollie.