TRIBUTES have been paid to a long serving Carlisle councillor and former mayor of the city who died last month by his fellow members of Cumberland Council.

They were speaking at Tuesday's (April 30) meeting of the full council at the Civic Centre in Carlisle.

At the start of the meeting councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes (Maryport North, Labour), the chairwoman of the council, called for a "minute of reflection" following the sad loss of councillor Cyril Weber (Harraby North, Labour) who died at the age of 78.

Council leader, councillor Mark Fryer (St Johns and Great Clifton, Labour), then said he had an energy for the city that was "unrivalled" and added: "He was a smooth political operator".

He said that Cllr Weber was "a big miss to a group like ours – a huge miss."

Councillor John Mallinson (Houghton and Irthington, Conservative) said he was honoured to pay tribute and over the years they had many discussions but there had never been an argument between them.

He said that the lasting tribute to Cllr Weber was Harraby Community Centre and added: "He was Carlisle through and through. I think he will be sadly missed."

Councillor Abdul Harid (Belle Vue, Labour), the vice-chairman of the council, said Cllr Weber had been a very close friend of his since he first moved to the city in 1993.

He said that Cllr Weber had always been there for him as a friend, especially when he was first elected as a councillor, and added: "He will be missed."

Councillor Tim Pickstone (Longtown, Lib Dems), the group leader, said Cllr Weber had an "enormous level of respect" as well as an "enormous sense of integrity". He added: "He will be sorely missed by the people of Harraby."

And councillor Helen Davison (Belah, Green Party), a fellow group leader, said she was saddened when she heard he was ill and also when she heard the news that he had died.

She extended her condolences to his family and that he was a "kind, caring and compassionate man". She added: "Harraby Community Centre is a huge testament to him."

Councillor Robert Betton (Botcherby, Independent Group), also a group leader, said he had known Cllr Weber since 2006 and, at a recent community panel meeting, "there was one thing that was missing, and that was Cyril".

He said: "When he thought something was wrong he would always come and have a word. He is going to be missed as he was a very active councillor."

Cllr Weber's funeral was held at Carlisle Crematorium last month, where it was almost standing room only, which was followed by refreshments at Harraby Community Centre.

As well as his membership of Cumberland Council he was also a long serving Labour city and county councillor.

He spent more than 40 years in local politics having served as an elected member for both the former Carlisle City Council since May 1979 and Cumbria County Council since 2001.

He served as the mayor of Carlisle from 1988-89, and later, as the chairman of Cumbria County Council’s local committee for Carlisle, played a pivotal role in organising the City of Lights event, which comes by each year.

He was also a representative for the social welfare charity Mary Hannah Almshouses, and the Lowther Street Trust – a Carlisle charity which provides financial support to help educate people aged under 25.

He was well known as an accessible councillor who would often lend a listening ear to local concerns, who championed local causes, the environment, and social work.

He leaves wife Rosemary, sons Adrian and Gareth, daughters-in-law of Nicola and Sharon, dearly loved granda of Conor, Lewis, Ellie, Daniel and Ewan, and sister Loraine.