A former Biggin Hill councillor has died after a short battle with illness.

Bob Shekyls passed away aged 83 on Wednesday (January 31) in Orpington Hospital.

He lived in Biggin Hill for over 40 years and represented the area on Bromley Council for 12 years between 1994 and 2006.

Beforehand Bob worked in the Royal Air Force.

Chris Maines, former leader of Bromley Council and current chairman of Liberal Democrats London Region, spoke to News Shopper about his late friend.

He said: “He was very friendly and would get his point across without upsetting people.

“Bob was very affable and enjoyed jazz music and the odd pint. He has a wide circle of friends in Biggin Hill because his daughters grew up here.”

Mr Maines said he will best remember Bob for being “friendly but a dogged campaigner”.

He added: “The RAF was something very close to his heart and he went on to chair RAF Biggin Hill.

“In recent years he took much enjoyment from spending time with his grandchildren locally.”

Bob was known for his interest in planning issues and served as chairman of the Biggin Hill Heritage Centre Committee.

He is survived by his wife Jan and his two daughters.