ONE of the borough's most influential figures in his political heyday has died.

Merlyn Jones, 92, served on the council for more than four decades as a Labour councillor and in 1971/72 he became chairman of the council, the equivalent of being mayor when Thurrock was an urban district council.

His wife Margaret also served for many years and was the borough's first mayor in 1974, following the reorganisation of local government.

Mr and Mrs Jones were recently honoured by current Mayor Cllr James Halden, who spoke warmly of them when presenting Mrs Jones with inclusion on his recently instituted 'Mayoral Roll of Honour'.

Having represented Ockendon for many years, Mr Jones stood down from the council in 2002 because of health problems following a hip-replacement operation. At the time he said: "My heart stopped five times during the operation and I woke up in the intensive care unit.

"I'm going to sit back now and take it easy. And if I have any problems I am going to take them to my local councillor" – which was Margaret!

But far from taking it easy Mr Jones remained a busy figure and served on many local organisations.

Mr Jones moved from his native Wales after university to become a social worker in east London. He moved to Thurrock in 1957 "as one of the first tranche of pioneers from London to the Belhus estate".

Within three years he was elected to Thurrock Council. He took on many of the council's top jobs including chairman of the health committee and chairman of the recreation committee and in 1971/72 he became chairman of the council.

He also served as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex.

When he retired from the council in in 2002 he spoke of his love for Thurrock, saying: "When I came to Thurrock there were enormous problems. It is certainly not Valhalla and will never be Valhalla.

"But people here try to make the most of things. Many of them could move if they wanted, but they stay. It is a place of tremendous community spirit."

Current Thurrock Labou group leader Cllr John Kent paid tribute to his political colleague, saying: "Merlyn Jones was a huge figure in Thurrock politics for many, many years.

"He served on the old Urban District Council, the Borough Council and the Unitary Council from 1959 until 2002.

"He was an immensely kind and thoughtful man who was a involved in so many local groups from local history and antiques to scouting and scooters - though his first love was the arts and he served as chair of Thurrock Arts Council for many years. He was a huge supporter of the Thameside Theatre and was delighted to have been chairman of the council when the theatre was opened.

"Merlyn had a keen sense of humour and often joked that although he was a proud Welshman he was unusual in that he liked neither rugby nor beer!

"It's hard to think of Merlyn without his wife Margaret but Merlyn was really very much his own man whilst always being incredibly supportive of Margaret.

"My thoughts are very much with Margaret at the moment - Merlyn was very much one of the old school, hard working and dedicated and I will miss him greatly."

Former Thurrock MP Andrew MacKinlay, who represented the borough from 1992 until he stepped down at the 2010 general election, is a longstanding friend of the couple and spoke of his admiration for Mr Jones.

Mr MacKinlay said: "Merlyn was a good, and loyal consistent friend in good times and bad. He was outstanding in his devotion to the Labour movement and to the arts and culture.

"When I think back, Merlyn and Margaret come into my mind as 'Mr and Mrs Thurrock'. Together and individually they have done so much for the borough and in promoting the arts and culture. They reached out as ambassadors for civic pride.

"The hearts of myself and my family go out to Margaret at this difficult time."

Vic Gray, a stalwart of the Thurrock arts scene, said: "Merlyn was a highly respected councillor and, more importantly, he was Chairman of Thurrock Arts Council for more than half of its existence.

"After his retirement he was made a lifelong member. He was more than a figurehead. He made every effort to attend all the events staged by members, not just the theatre but art displays, bands, choirs.

"He took a genuine interest in them all.

"The arts scene in Thurrock is stronger than it might have been without him."