Tributes paid to ‘tenacious’ Whittlesey councillor and dad of Peterborough MP as flag flown at half-mast

Alan, who served on Fenland District Council and Whittlesey Town Council representing the Lattersey Ward, lost his life to an aggressive brain tumour.

Father to Peterborough MP Paul Bristow, Alan was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. Described by his son as a “proud, determined and a born leader”, Alan had been a nurse, NHS manager, soldier, trade unionist and latterly a local politician.

He was elected onto Fenland District Council in May 2019 and had served on Whittlesey Town Council since 2008.

RELATED: Peterborough MP Paul Bristow pays tribute after death of his father

Fenland District Council leader Cllr Chris Boden said: “All members’ thoughts are with Alan’s wife and family at this sad time. Alan was passionately committed to Whittlesey in general and to his own ward of Lattersey in particular.

“His level of commitment to public service was something that all councillors would aspire to emulate. Alan was tenacious in pursuing local issues, ranging from road safety initiatives and dog fouling of local pavements to improved local rail services. I think that everybody who knew Alan will miss him.”

Cllr Mrs Kay Mayor, chairman of Fenland District Council, said: “We are greatly saddened to hear of the death of Alan. He will leave a huge hole in Whittlesey – he was particularly passionate about the transport issues that we have, in particular around the station and projects surrounding it.

“I will miss his cheeky smile and Yorkshire humour greatly. His family is in the thoughts of all who knew him at this time.”

Paul Medd, Fenland District Council’s chief executive, said: “Alan was a dedicated and hardworking councillor whose passion for Whittlesey and the whole of the district was clear. He was a true community champion. Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we offer our sincere condolences.”

Paul Nelson, chairman of the Hereward Community Rail Partnership, said: “Alan was a long standing member of the Hereward Community Rail Partnership and will be greatly missed. His passion for representing the views of the community on rail issues, especially for Whittlesey residents, was constant and commendable. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

MP for North East Cambridgeshire Steve Barclay said: “Alan Bristow was a hugely respected and much loved local councillor who worked tirelessly for the people of Whittlesey, in particular, and for Fenland as a whole.

“He was great company, much respected and his loss will be deeply felt across our community.

“He leaves a legacy of public service which I know his son Paul will continue as our neighbouring Member of Parliament.”

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough James Palmer added: “I met Alan several years ago and became much more involved with him when I stood for election as mayor.

“He was very much an advocate for Whittlesey and had much to do with Whittlesea Station. What we’re doing there is down to his groundwork.

“He was very passionate about his town. He was a man to be admired and I admired him very much. He never let me off the hook and I admired that about him.

“He always put his community first. He was a fine gentleman - he was the sort of guy you were proud to have known and I certainly am. He was an inspiration to many.”

The flag at Fenland Hall will remain at half-mast in Alan’s honour until his funeral has taken place.

Given the current Covid-19 regulations, the vacancy on Fenland District Council will not require an election until May 2021.