Cllr Williams, Conservative, had served on the council since 1979, and oversaw the waste and recycling collections service as well as leisure facilities and Baggeridge Country Park. In 2004, she was responsible for the introduction of alternate weekly residual waste and recycling collections in the area, which helped to propel the councils recycling rate from 21% in 2004/05 to 50% in 2011/12.
Cllr Williams also helped to promote the road safety campaign launched in South Staffordshire by collection contractor Biffa, which asked residents to be patient with collection crews after a number of dangerous driving incidents were reported in the region (see letsrecycle.com story).
She leaves her husband, and fellow district councillor, Reg Williams. Despite being diagnosed with cancer more than a year ago, the council saidJoan Williams continued to attend meetings and fulfil her role as a cabinet member.
Sad time
Cllr Brian Edwards, leader of South Staffordshire council today (October 1) paid tribute toJoan Williams. He said: Its obviously a very sad time. Ive known Joan for many, many years and she gave her all to this council. She continued to work up until very recently and her passion for the job never waned but that just typified her stoicism and her commitment to her role as a local councillor. She will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with her husband, Reg, her friends and her colleagues at the council.
In other areas of her portfolio, Cllr Williams was the leading figure in delivering the Sytch Lane cemetery in Wombourne and seeing through the plans for the new Strawberry Lane Cemetery which is set to open in 2013. As well as being a leading member of the councils Cabinet, Cllr Williams was also Chairman of the Council in 1992/93, helping to raise funds for local charities and local causes which she continued to support each year.
Related links
Funeral date
Cllr Williams funeral is to take place on Monday 15th October at 10.30am at St Benedict Biscop Church in Wombourne.
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