TRIBUTES were paid this week to 'one of Leominster’s unsung heroes' – community activist Joan Thwaites – who has died after a long illness aged 71.

A former care worker, Ms Thwaites, of Pump Piece, was at the forefront of many Leominster campaigns, including the bid to try and save the town’s former Crown Post Office.

When Herefordshire Council decided to close Leominster Tourist Information Centre (TIC) she moved quickly to help gather a 3,000-signature petition and the TIC was re-launched under local control.

As a spokesperson for the Town Centre Action Group, responding to planning applications for out-of-town superstores, Ms Thwaites proved resilient to attacks over her views. She felt strongly that such development would harm town centre trade and tourism.

Gill Ding, manager of Leominster TIC, said this week: "Joan was passionate about the town and surrounding area. She helped me set up Leominster Country Tourism Association and was treasurer for four years, attending many meetings and assisting with funding bids and research for local tourism leaflets.

"She would go around various attractions and businesses recruiting members, selling the benefits of being a part of the organisation and being on its website.”

A former Green Party member of Leominster Town Council, Ms Thwaites also took on the role of costume mistress for a local theatre company.

Playhouse Theatre Company producer Mike James said she became 'the driving force' for Leominster to relaunch its theatre group and kicked off the project which became Playhouse under the direction of Richard Brookman.

During a long battle with cancer, Ms Thwaites carried on with activities, including running the local food cafe at Leominster Apple Fair and conservation work with historic artefacts at Hereford Museum.

Wildlife was another cause close to her heart and she worked with the county Badger Group, preparing for a DEFRA-sanctioned vaccination programme.

Leominster mayor, Felicity Norman, paid tribute to 'one of Leominster’s unsung heroes', and added: "Joan will be much missed as a friend and colleague. She contributed so much to the town with her energy and ‘can do’ attitude.

"Her often challenging views led to a few ups and downs but those of us who knew her understood that Joan had the best interests of the town and community at heart."

Ms Thwaites died peacefully on May 20 with her twin daughters, Isobel and Miriam, at her bedside.

Her burial will take place at Humber Woodland of Remembrance on June 8 at 2pm. Mourners are requested to wear bright colours and flowers.