Tribute paid to popular former town and district councillor
Philip High, of Holt. Picture: Karen Bethell - Credit: Archant
Tribute has been paid to a former Holt town and district councillor.
Philip High died yesterday (Sunday, February 3) aged 74.
Mr High became a town councillor in 1995, and stood down 22 years later, after being elected to North Norfolk District Council in 2006.
He worked as an electrician in his early career and then spent many years as a postman. He was a Liberal Democrat district councillor until 2017.
Bryan Payne, fellow town councillor and long-time friend, said: 'He was born and bred in Holt and was very committed to the town.
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'He was very good at helping people with problems, especially to do with local authority housing. He was very amicable, and a very popular person.'
Mr High also supported local groups including Holt Area Caring and the town community centre, was president of elderly people's social group Holt Friday Club and was a trustee of local beauty spot Holt Lowes.
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A minute's silence was held for Mr High at the district council's cabinet meeting today (Monday).
Council leader Sarah Butikofer said: 'He was much loved and respected. He was a thoroughly decent and independent person, and put community and family before politics. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Julie and the rest of his family at this difficult time.'
John Lee, the leader of the Conservative group on the council, also paid tribute. He said: 'He was a man I got on really well with. I held him in the highest regard.'
Fellow Conservative councillor on NNDC, Duncan Baker said: 'Phil was totally non-political and was a huge inspiration to me. He took me under his wing, and it was a huge shock to get the sad news that he had died.'
He is survived by his wife, Julie, and a son.
-Would you like to pay tribute to Mr High? Email stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk or call 584 311481.
MORE: North Norfolk district councillor retires after more than two decades in local government
