Tributes have been paid to Monmouthshire County Councillor Peter Clarke who has died after a short illness.

Councillor Clarke died at his home on the morning of Monday January 10.

A Welsh Conservative councillor for Llangybi Fawr since 1989, Cllr Clarke was on the board of the Monmouthshire Housing Association and Gwent Police and Crime Panel.

Deputy chair of the councils’ planning committee, Peter also served on several other council committees including democratic services, governance and audit, standards and the strong communities select committee.

A tribute issued on behalf of MCC said: ‘‘Peter was a towering figure in our organisation having represented Monmouthshire County Council since its beginning in 1996. Peter was first elected to public office in 1989 representing the Usk Rural Ward on Gwent Council. Peter was our chairman twice, a bedrock of Planning Committee and served on many other committees. Peter was also a community councillor for over 35 years.

Peter set an example to all of what it took to be an outstanding public servant. He had high standards and high expectations. He always wanted the very best for the people he represented.

‘‘A very kind, warm hearted man who valued his friends and his family above all else, Peter was also a very successful businessman and a pillar of the community of Usk and its surrounding areas.

‘‘A very distinguished light has gone out in our lives and Peter will be greatly missed. We send our condolences to Peter’s family and loved ones who will be very much in our thoughts.