‘Derek was happy and committed’

Coun Evans represented Netherfield ward, held the portfolio for housing and was deputy leader of the Independent Forum .

Mick Barton, Mansfield District Councillor for Maun Valley, said Coun Evans had been in and out of king’s Mill Hospital for the last fortnight, where councillors and his wife had been keeping a bedside vigil.

He said: “He was a very committed ward councillor who always did his best for constituents at any cost.

“He was very strong-willed and strong-minded . Derek was very bubbly and happy and always saw the good side of everyone.”

Coun Evans is survived by his wife Christine.

The 70-year-old, who lived on Netherfield Lane, Meden Vale, became a councillor in 2011 after retiring a year earlier.

Coun Evans had lived in the Mansfield area for the last 30 years.

He has been quoted as saying: “I was delighted and extremely proud when I was elected to serve the people of Netherfield Ward in Warsop.

“I was also very pleased when the Mayor, Tony Egginton, offered me the Portfolio for Housing Strategy and Regeneration.

“Housing is a very emotive subject and crucial to fulfil a basic human need to provide a safe, affordable environment in which to live out our lives.”

The late councillor also served on Mansfield District Council’s planning committee and licensing committees.