Former council chairman dies

Tributes have been paid to former Boston Spa Parish Council Chairman David Thomson who has died age 77.

Mr Thomson, a chartered quantity surveyor, moved to the village in November 1984 from Newcastle with his wife Anne and sons James and Simon.

He used his professional knowledge to help with local issues and led an unsuccessful campaign against a large housing development in Church Fields, in the village, speaking at the public enquiry.

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Boston Spa Parish Councillor Terry Gaussen said: “David was a very long serving and committed member of the Parish Council, for over 20 years and was Chairman from May 2007 to May 2014 with a further year as member until he stood down in May 2015.

“He contributed his professional and other knowledge to the work of the Council, with particular expertise, as a qualified surveyor, in planning and building matters.

“This was especially helpful in planning matters and appeal hearings, but he also contributed in many other aspects of village life, and was involved practically as one of the volunteers on the riverside work team.

“Since 2015 and despite ill health, David continued to contribute as a local resident, especially to planning matters, and will be much missed.”

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His wife Anne said her husband, who had suffered heart problems for the past three years, had worked on the Schofield Centre in Leeds and also freelance in later years.

“He will be most remembered as one of the instigators of the campaign to try to stop the Church Fields housing,” said Mrs Thomson.

“He did a lot of work when it went to public enquiry.”

Mr Thomson, who was born in Nottingham, also leaves two grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at Stonefall in Harrogate on July 16 at 12.20pm. Donations can be made to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.