Family, friends and councillors have paid tribute to a well-known member of the community and former journalist who died after a long illness.

Father-of-two Barrie Taylor, 77, was a common sight at council meetings in Epsom and dedicated most of his life to holding local authorities to account - as a local reporter and resident.

He died suddenly on September 28 after suffering from a heart condition for decades and having a series of strokes.

His daughter, Rosemary, said: “My dad was very ill, but we didn’t expect him to die so suddenly. It’s very sad and we’ll miss him dearly. He was always keeping busy with council meetings even when he couldn’t attend them anymore.

“We’re very proud of his love for civic issues and of how he held councils to account when he was young and until the end of his life.

“He also loved art, so I just recall one of his surrogate grandchildren remarking, as I was dragging him and his little brother round various London museums: ‘Oh, do we have to? - We're not like uncle Barrie, interested in everything’."

Mr Taylor started his career as a journalist in Morecambe, Lancashire, when he was 16.

John Morrell, a friend who worked with him at the Morecambe Visitor newspaper, said: “Investigative journalism was close to his heart and I well remember an explosive piece in which he asked if Morecambe Council’s business was done within the confines of a certain local political club.

“There followed an almighty furore but that expose provides a clue to the innumerable occasions when, in retirement, Barrie focused a critical and extremely attentive eye on the activities of the local council in his adopted homeland of Epsom and Ewell.”

Mr Taylor also set up his own PR company in the late 60s and later worked for Strand Hotels, becoming right hand man to Sir Norman Joseph.

He moved to Epsom in 1969 where he lived in Shaw Close until the end of his life.

Former Epsom Guardian reporter Helen Crane said: “Every local newspaper needs a Barrie Taylor. In spite of his bouts of serious illness he remained intensely interested in his community and was in regular touch with the Epsom Guardian. He was a meticulous reader of agendas and minutes from the council and other bodies and wasn't afraid to speak up if he found matters of concern.

“Barrie, a well-known figure in the community, sat through hours and hours of meetings to keep abreast of proposed changes to the area and was extremely concerned about the future of Epsom General Hospital.

“Barrie could be a thorn in the side of officialdom but his time and efforts ensured that the public was kept aware of what was going on around them.”

Mr Taylor was married to Rita for 55 years and they had two daughters, Ms Taylor and the late Melanie Sinclair.

Tributes:

Jo Bowring, former Epsom Guardian reporter said: “Barrie Taylor was the kind of contact a young reporter can only dream of. He was someone who knew the workings of the local council inside out, as he’d made it his business to scour council agendas for donkeys years – and made himself a nuisance by asking awkward questions to boot.”

She added: “His enthusiasm for civic affairs and political debate wasn’t just confined to the council chambers though – I remember once he managed to rope me into carrying chairs halfway across the town centre for the relocation of his club, the Phoenix Club.

“I’m sure he’ll be sadly missed in Epsom and Ewell.”

Councillor Robert Leach said: “Barrie was a tireless campaigner and was fearless in putting forward his point of view, as I discovered on many occasions.

“However he also had another, gentle and fun-loving side. He could take a joke against himself. In addition to our many ‘conversations’ on council matters, there were several occasions when we were able to have a relaxed chat and exchange jokes.”

Councillor Julie Morris said: “Most councillors knew Barrie. He was a great correspondent and emailer, taking a keen interest in just about all political issues in Epsom and in Ewell. He was an observer at council meetings and took the opportunity to ask questions in committee meetings whenever possible. Very few people take such an interest in local affairs and we shall miss him.”

Councillor Sean Sullivan said: “Barrie was a true citizen activist. For years he attended countless council meetings questioning, monitoring and scrutinising.

“He kept those in power locally on their toes and I fondly remember his occasional heckling of RA councillors and his pursuit of some out into the council car park seeking to continue a debate. Barrie was an important part of our local democracy and I will miss him.”