'Community won't be the same' as city mourns 'Peterborough legend'

Brian was a tireless campaigner for equality, and for improvement in the Millfield and New England area of the city.

Tributes have been flooding in since the news of his death was announced.

MORE: Tributes to Peterborough community champion Brian Gascoyne

Mohammed Saeed, from Community FIrst, worked alongside Brian on a number of projects.

He said; "Is it such sad news.

Brian has not been well lately, but he was championing Millfield and New England even in his ill health.

"He was an amazing man. You always want the community to have elders with experience to give out advice, and he was always there.

"Millfield won't be the same without him. He was always there when there was something important."

Brian was known for his work as chairman of the Millfield and New England Regeneration Partnership (MANERP), but also his role on the Peterborough Holocaust Memorial Day committee.

Canon Ian Black said: "Very sad news. Brian was passionate about equality, justice and his communities. He led the Holocaust Memorial Day committee for many years. He will be greatly missed."

Cllr Mohammed Jamil, who represents the Central Ward, said he was ‘devastated’ to hear the news. He said: “I am personally devastated at the news of Brian’s death.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Brian for almost 20 years in various community related capacities. I learnt so much from the great man. His passion for the area and community was unrivalled. He would go out of his way to help anyone.

“One of his legacies will be for us to make sure that the Millfield regeneration project goes ahead and improves the quality of the lives in Millfield.”

Former city councillor Richard Ferris described Brian as 'a legend' and said; "Brian was one of those small but highly committed band of people who wanted the best for the city and all of its communities.

"A man of complete integrity, who was about action not just words. I worked closely with him and found him very supportive and appreciative of the doers, and unafraid to speak out and challenge authority when things were not being done or where harm was being done to our communities. A Peterborough legend, I’d call him"

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow said; "Brian was Peterborough through and through. He loved our City. He founded the Millfield and New England Regeneration Partnership and was a driving force behind that organisation. His efforts directly led to improvements for local people and their quality of life. Our City owes him a great deal and he will be sorely missed. "

Cllr John Holdich, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “We are saddened to hear of Brian’s passing, he was a true community champion who worked tirelessly to help others. He will be sadly missed by many people, especially those whose lives he fought to improve.”