Tributes paid to chief executive

James Hehir had held the post at the council for 20 years

Tributes have been paid to the "adopted parent of Ipswich" after a council chief executive died suddenly, aged 61.

James Hehir, who died on Tuesday, held the top job at the town's borough council for 20 years.

Mayor of Ipswich David Goldsmith said Mr Hehir had made a huge difference to the town.

"This adopted parent of Ipswich inspired passion for the town," said Councillor Andrew Cann, who added he had the "deepest respect" for Mr Hehir.

"To anyone who has lived in Ipswich for the past 20 years, all the achievements made here have been down to many, but without doubt the best among those talents - everything that word means - was James Hehir," said Mr Cann.

'Personal stamp'

Council leader Liz Harsant said: "I am devastated.

"James was a very good friend and also had an incredible warmth and vision.

"So many projects in Ipswich bore his personal stamp, like the Waterfront, the university, the college and the DanceHouse.

"James was also very popular with his colleagues, across Ipswich and across the whole country."

Councillor David Ellesmere said: "It is difficult to imagine Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich without him.

"His memorial will be in the buildings and institutions he brought to Ipswich, in particular University College Suffolk, as he fought long and hard to bring a university to Ipswich.

"This was one of his prouder achievements."