Tributes pour in for former Hartlepool Mayor

An alderman, former Hartlepool Mayor and long-serving councillor has died following a short illness.

Alderman Ray Waller, who served as a councillor for 44 years and was also a Freeman died aged 75 in Hartlepool Hospice on Saturday (April 5) from cancer.

Born in West Hartlepool in 1939, Alderman Waller was first elected as a councillor to the South Ward at the age of 23. He went on to serve Hartlepool Council until his retirement in 2007. A popular figure, he was also a prominent county councillor and was Chairman of Cleveland County Council in 1987/88.

The straight-talking Labour councillor was chair of governors at Hartlepool College of Further Education for 26 years from 1981 to 2007 and was also a former governor of Rossmere Primary School and Brierton Comprehensive School.

He was also the first Chairman of Cleveland Fire Authority when it was set up in 1996.

Speaking shortly before his death, the married father and grandfather said that former Hartlepool MP Ted Leadbitter inspired him to pursue a life in politics.

Mr Waller also said that education was his passion.

“Education has always been my first love. If children get a good education they’ve always got a good chance to succeed in life.”

Ray Waller will receive a Civic Funeral which will take place at All Saints Church, Stranton on Friday April 11 at 11am.**

**