Tributes have been paid to former councillor John Lock, who has died aged 62.

John, who passed away on Monday following an illness, had lived in Newham since 1979 and was a member of the council from 1986 to 1994, representing Park Ward.

He led a major redevelopment programme of the borough’s libraries and leisure services and was recognised for his work in October, when he was conferred with Freedom of the Borough.

Sir Robin Wales, the Mayor of Newham, said: “Thanks to John, our borough is a much better place than it was when he first arrived.

“He was a good man who worked tirelessly to improve the health and lives of residents. If anyone deserved to have the freedom of Newham for long and distinguished public service, then it was John.

“He will be much missed. On behalf of councillors, council staff, residents, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him, I have offered our condolences to John’s wife Jan and sons Nathaniel and Cato.”

Cllr Conor McAuley added: “In all the fields in which John worked, he brought a quiet determination to bear on the issues.

“He didn’t make enemies or hector people. He worked through persuasion and intelligent argument.”

During his time in office, John served on a number of council committees and represented the borough on boards including the Association of London Authorities.

He also served as a school governor for 22 years and was the constituency office manager and researcher for Tony Banks MP, who served the now-defunct Newham North West constituency.

After leaving the council, John worked with the University of East London, leading their engagement with the London 2012 Games and playing a part in gaining funding for its Docklands campus.

He was also a founder member of the Stratford Renaissence Partnership and served for 10 years as a director of Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Another of John’s achievements was working with Newham Primary Care Trust to transition their services to deal with health challenges strategically rather than reactively.