TRIBUTES have been paid to a public servant who died recently.

Ian Whattam, who died on May 9, was a valued member of Darlington Borough Council’s street scene team.

The 54-year-old became a council employee in November 2011 and worked for the local authority through an agency for a number of year prior to that.

At a meeting on Tuesday (June 4), the council’s cabinet noted Mr Whattam’s death with sadness and conveyed the organisation’s sympathies to his family.

Councillor Ian Haszeldine said: “It is difficult when a member of staff dies, particularly when you know them personally, and I had known Ian since he was a young lad.

“He was a dedicated member of staff, who frequently went above and beyond what was expected.

“His family is pleased that his services to Darlington Borough Council are being recognised.”