TRIBUTES have started to flood in following the death of a Test Valley councillor who has served since 2001.

Borough councillor for Chilworth, Rownhams and Nursling, Nigel Anderdon passed away last week and fellow councillors, residents and an MP have paid tribute to the "loyal and hard-working" man.

Cllr Anderdon first became a borough councillor in June 2001 and was re-elected at all subsequent elections - he was also a member of the Southern Area Planning Committee and the Licensing Committee for TVBC.

Councillor Alison Finlay, who represents the same ward as Cllr Anderdon, said it was very upsetting to find out the news.

She said: "He was a loyal, hard-working councillor who served the interests of the constituents of Chilworth, Nursling & Rownhams ward diligently.

"He was a highly-principled friend, who will be greatly missed by the many who knew him.

"He was very good at teething out problems which needed to be addressed."

Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, said: “I am desperately saddened by Nigel’s passing, someone I knew for decades as a lovely, kind-hearted and funny man who has been dedicated to service for most of his life, from his days as a Royal Navy pilot to his long and respected service on Test Valley Borough Council.

"He has always been robust in standing up for local people and will be sadly missed both by local Conservatives and the wider community.”

Another councillor who also represented the Chilworth, Nursling and Rownhams ward, Cllr Philip Bundy, said: "It was a great shock to hear of Nigel’s passing.

"He was a highly valued member of our team and his experience and knowledge was a great asset to us and the whole community.

"Nigel had been a Borough Councillor since 2001, representing Chilworth, Nursling and Rownhams and we benefitted from his experience and knowledge."

He added: "I knew Nigel for over 33 years on both the Parish and Borough councils and he always had our villages at the heart of his actions.

"His particular strength was his ability to review many complex planning applications and tease out the main issues likely to affect residents and their interests.

"He was passionate about retaining the rural identity of the Village and would offer many sound planning arguments to support the residents. He will be greatly missed."

Councillor Nigel Anderdon passed away on Wednesday, January 8, at the age of 87.