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Former Easington pitman and councillor Richard Burnip dies
A councillor who helped lead regeneration efforts in an area devastated by the closure of the pits has died.
Richard Burnip began his political career as a parish councillor in Easington Colliery before he was elected to Easington District Council in 1995.
He went on to win one of the two seats representing the Easington ward on Durham County Council when the unitary authority was formed in April.
The 62-year-old, who was married and a father of three sons, died at the weekend.
Born in Horden and educated in Easington Colliery, Peterlee and Durham, the former pitman was a member of several groups which have helped regenerate East Durham since the closure of the mines.
He was on the board of Horden and Easington Pathfinder, involved in Horden and Easington Regeneration Committee and on the board of Healthworks, an information and support centre in Easington Colliery which helps people keep healthy and learn new skills.
Coun Alan Napier, deputy leader of Durham County Council and former Leader of Easington Council, said: "I first met Richard during the historic struggle of the 1984/5 miners' strike.
"He was a fitter at Easington Colliery and was very active within Durham Colliery Mechanics' Association.
"Having known him for a quarter of a century I have never heard Richard say a wrong word about anyone and never seen him lose his temper.
"He was an amiable, affable and placid natured chap but what he always did as a councillor was give 100 per cent in his work, to the best of his ability and in the best interests of the people who he served and represented.
"This is a sad loss for the county council and a sadder loss for the community where he served.
"But it is a massive loss to his family and friends and our thoughts and hearts are with those people at this, the saddest of times."
Funeral arrangements are to follow.
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Weather for Sunderland
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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