Sir - I was shocked in Worcester News to read that a long serving councillor is left paralysed from the waist down.

Liz Smith was first elected as Liberal candidate in 1990 by the Claines Ward, and has served them well with only one break of a year for 22 years.She had planned to retire for family reasons at the May elections but attended on Monday 10th March General Election husting at The Cap “N” Gown pub (as a stand in as Lib Lab have yet to elect a candidate),when she was suddenly taken ill.

Mrs Smith has been an exceptional servant to her constituents and I well remember when residing in Tower Road how she and Sue Asken were dedicated to local residents’ in our concerns with the closing of the old water works.

We were faced with the prospect of new houses and the cost of a new road. Both councillors faithfully attended our meetings at The Willows and went out of their way to ensure we received the best possible conclusion to the problems,despite all their many other work.

Liz will be greatly missed in the Ward, but I trust the medical profession will be able to find a solution and that she will be able to enjoy the long and happy retirement which she richly deserves.

Phil Pegler

Worcester