TRIBUTES to Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew have been led by Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) after his sudden death.

Cllr Trollope-Bellew represented the south Quantock ward on SWT and also sat on the Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee and the Joint Scrutiny Panel of the Somerset Waste Board.

Prior to the formation of SWT in 2019, he represented the Crowcombe and Stogumber ward at West Somerset District Council, where he was a long-serving member and was leader from 2015-2019.

SWT leader Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts said: “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of such a well-respected friend and colleague.

“Anthony was a true gentleman known for his tremendous service, his immense knowledge, and his passion for the area he loved.

“He was an exceptionally kind, firm but fair man who cared deeply about the community he loved to serve and devoted so much to the people of West Somerset and the wider Somerset West and Taunton area.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Cllr Trollope-Bellew, who farmed the family estate in Crowcombe, on the Quantock Hills, also served three terms as a Somerset County Councillor representing Watchet and Quantocks ward from 2001 to 2013.

County council chairman Cllr Mike Best said: “Anthony was passionate about Somerset, particularly West Somerset and the Quantocks.

“He was a well-liked and respected figure and it was a shock to hear news of his death.

“On behalf of Somerset County Council I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife and family.”

There will not be a SWT by-election for the south Quantock ward because the vacancy has arisen within six months of the council being replaced by the new unitary Somerset Council.