TRIBUTES have been paid to a former borough mayor following the announcement of his death.

Terry Piccolo, who died yesterday (Monday 6 July) after suffering ill-health for some years, holds a unique place in Thurrock's history, as the only mayor to serve consecutive terms.

He was elected mayor in 2019 while serving as a Conservative councillor for Stanford West ward but the Coronavirus pandemic began midway through his year in office, which was extended into a second term until May 2021.

He was first elected to the council in 2016, winning the Stanford West seat from Labour and he retained it in 2021, after councillors served an additional year because of the pandemic.

He lost the seat to independent Ross Byrne in 2024. He had previously stood as an independent candidate in the ward in 2012 following on from his work as chair of the Stanford Hope Forum.

He was a one of the founders of the free Stanford Music Festival which ran for many years in the town on the Mobil Field, Billet Lane, after starting with humble beginnings on a trailer in the town's High Street in 1999.

Steve Henderson of Stanford-based Henderson Perry Entertainments was also one of the Music Festival 'originals' and said: "Terry was truly a man of Stanford and he was such a good lad. Working with him on the Stanford Music Festival was inspiring, I learned so much and it was because of that I am doing what I do for a living now.

"His enthusiasm for the festival and keeping it free for everyone to attend for all those years was remarkable."

Another long-time admirer of Mr Piccolo was a former Conservative colleague Shane Ralph, who said: "His work with the Hope committee and the Music Festival – and all the things he brought us over the years - will never be forgotten.

"Terry also played a part in getting Hardie Park up and running with his support for myself and Rob Groves.

"He was a true community person and he is a great loss to our community and he will be deeply missed."

Today Thurrock Conservative Group Leader Cllr Qaisar Abbas said: "We mourn the loss of former Mayor Terry Piccolo. His dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of those around him left a lasting mark on Thurrock and Stanford-le-Hope.

"I have fond memories of Terry, as we attended many community events together, and I always admired his unwavering commitment to serving people of Thurrock.

"He served residents with integrity, compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference. He believed in bringing people together and worked tirelessly for the betterment of Stanford-le-Hope and Thurrock.

"The efforts he put into local projects really made a difference to the community he happily served.

"On behalf of the Thurrock Conservative Group, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Terry's lovely wife Joan, his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace and may his memory continue to inspire us to serve people of Thurrock with the same kindness, dedication and sense of public duty that he exemplified."