Tributes have been paid to a former Newham councillor who has passed away aged 73.

Alan Taylor, who represented Canning Town South between 2002 and 2006, and again between 2010 and 2014, died at the East Ham Care Centre on Wednesday.

In addition to representing the Labour party, he worked as a lorry and crane driver.

From 1994 until his death he was treasurer of the Custom House and Canning Town Community Renewal Programme, where he oversaw the transformation of St Luke’s Community Centre.

Alan was also chairman of Custom House FC and of the Triangle Tenants’ Association in Custom House.

Cllr Pat Holland, who represents Custom House ward, said: “I’ve known Alan since the 1980s, he always stood up for Canning Town and Custom House at residents’ forums before he was a councillor.

“He was a very caring person and residents appreciated him for that.”

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, added: “Alan was a dedicated councillor who served his ward with passion and commitment.

“He made a valuable contribution to the work of the council, especially in his participation on scrutiny commissions.

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