Newmarket town councillor Ian Kirk dies

A Newmarket town councillor has died after suffering a suspected heart attack.

Ian Kirk, who represented Scaltback, died yesterday after falling ill.

Cllr Kirk was elected on to the authority in October last year after winning a town council by-election.

Cllr Rachel Hood, Newmarket's mayor, said: “It is with great sadness that, as Mayor of Newmarket, I and the Deputy Mayor, Cllr James Lay, respectfully announce the tragic news of the completely unexpected, shocking death of our colleague and friend, Cllr Ian Kirk.

"Our sincerest condolences are extended to his wife and family at this devastating time. As a mark of our collective respect, the flags at the memorial hall are to be flown at half-mast and we will observe a two minutes’ silence at our next Town Council meeting.

"In the short time since Cllr Kirk was elected to Newmarket Town Council he has worked impressively on Council matters and, with the establishment of the Newmarket Coronavirus Helpline, Cllr Kirk became one of our most tireless contributors, daily helping with and co-ordinating vulnerable residents’ requests. He was a pleasure to work with and we shall miss him greatly.”

And Cllr John Borda paid tribute to Cllr Kirk, who had been part of the town council's coronavirus response.

"In the short time he was a councillor, he showed he was a dedicated and intelligent campaigner for Newmarket, as well as one of the mainstays of our coronavirus campaign," he said.

Cllr Kevin Yarrow posted online: "A privilege to have known him and to have worked with him on the council. His contribution was invaluable to our community."