TRIBUTES have been paid to former town mayor Jim French who has passed away.
Bicester Town Council made the announcement today and said it has lowered flags at the council’s headquarters in Garth Park as a mark of respect.
Colleagues have paid tribute to the “hardworking” and “dedicated” former councillor who devoted a decade to the role.
He was elected to the town council in 2007 to represent the Town ward and stepped down in February 2017 due to ill health.
Mr French served as town mayor in 2015/16.
Fellow town councillor Richard Mould said: "Councillor French was a hardworking and dedicated councillor, serving as a town councillor for 10 years.
"He worked hard to make a positive difference in Bicester and was a friend to us all. He will be sadly missed.
“Our thoughts are with Jim’s wife Angie at this very sad time.”
Councillors stood to observe a minutes' silence for the former mayor before a council meeting this week.
During his mayoral year Mr French raised money for Homestart Bicester and Oxford and 2507 (Bicester) Squadron ATC.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here