FRIENDS and family gathered to pay tribute to popular Bridgwater man, Dave Winter.

A plaque was placed on a bench in the West Street Garden in his memory, after David died on February 23 this year aged 75.

Those who attended included his wife, Joyce, and daughters Alison and Mandy, along with the ward Councillors Gill Slocombe and the past ward Councillor Philip Smeed, Roger Perren, Jeff Rawles, community beat officer, Tex Freeman and Ashley James from Homes in Sedgemoor.

Councillor Gill Slocombe gave a short speech on the life of David.

They first met in 1999 after being elected to the Quantock Ward.

Gill talked about how he worked with the Councillors along with his friend Roger Perren and Jeff Rawles.

Gill said: "He dedicated his life to caring for others and will always be remembered for his commitment and dedication to the community.

"In the early days the residents meetings were very challenging to say the least.

"Frustration, anger and resentments were felt by the residents because very little had been done to improve their quality of lives on so many aspects.

"Dave was the leader of the pack, along with Roger and was instrumental into making some of the major changes in West Street, and we will also be grateful for his input.

"There was a lot of working together with the Councillors and the Showman’s Guild over the fair issues to ensure that residents' views were always taken into account."

Councillor Gill Slocombe thanked Joyce, David’s wife and family for allowing him so much time to work with them and thanked Jeff Rawles and Tex Freeman for the plaque in Dave’s memory.

Gill added: "No matter what was discussed, everyone always ended up laughing and he always enjoyed himself.

"David called me his little Rottweiler but I think it was agreed we were of the same breed.

"David cared about everything to do with his community and his legacy will live on."