Councillor passes away following short illness

SWANSEA Councillor Billy Jones has died following a short illness.

Mr Jones, a Labour ward member for Townhill since 2004, died on March 8.

Colleagues paid tribute to Mr Jones. Fellow Councillor David Hopkins, who was a close friend, said Cllr Jones was a man in very close touch with his community.

Cllr Hopkins said: "Billy was a Swansea man born and bred. He was a pupil at Townhill Primary School and he was very close and in touch with the local community that he represented.

"He was also a big Swansea City fan and he was thrilled when they won promotion to the Premier League last season."

Cllr David Phillips, Leader of the Labour group at Swansea Council, said: "This is sad news. Billy was an active ward member on behalf of the people of Townhill whom he represented for eight years. We would all like to express our condolences to his widow, Kay and his daughter Wendy."

Cllr Jones was a busy man outside of his work as a Councillor. He was a singer and entertainer in local pubs and clubs, was a regular swimmer and was a former regional organiser and regional secretary for the construction union UCATT.

Chris Holley, Leader of Swansea Council, said: "On behalf of the Council I would like to express our deep condolences to Kay and Wendy at this difficult time.

"Billy was a popular Councillor. His passion and commitment to serving people in Townhill was well-known and he will be missed."

Cllr Jones' funeral is due to take place at Morriston Cemetery on March 20 at noon.

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