Tributes to retired council director killed in Himalayas

Council leaders have paid tribute to Alan Slater, the former head of strategic housing and spatial planning at Cheshire West & Chester Council, who died on Friday in a climbing accident aged 67.

A keen mountaineer with 50 years' experience, Slater had been on a month-long expedition to the mountain range.

He retired from the council last year following a long career in local government.

Slater spent the majority of his career at Liverpool City Council before joining Cheshire West & Chester Council in 2009.

He had climbed mountains across the world, including Kilimanjaro which he conquered in a fundraising effort last year with Cllr Alan McKie and their friend Ian Hamilton-Burke.

The trio – who nicknamed themselves Three Old Men on a Mountain – achieved their aim to raise enough money to pay for an apprentice for Weaver Vale Housing Trust's independent living team.

Steve Robinson, chief executive of Cheshire West & Chester Council, said: "Alan was greatly liked and admired by friends and colleagues. His death has come as a tremendous shock.

"I have personally known Alan for nearly 20 years and I know that he has had the utmost respect of me, colleagues and partners.

"He was a leader who was admired for his energy, passion and an enthusiasm that was infectious. He was loved by so many and he will be greatly missed."

Cllr Mike Jones, leader of CWAC, said: "Alan played a key role within Cheshire West & Chester Council from its inception, making a tremendous contribution by helping to bring together three separate housing departments.

"He was a very popular figure in the council. Many staff will recall his incredible fundraising effort in conquering Mount Kilimanjaro.

"Our thoughts are with Alan's wife and family at this very sad time."

Cllr Angela Claydon, opposition spokesman for housing, said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of Alan's untimely death, as I worked closely with him on Ellesmere Port Housing.

"He will be fondly remembered as a tireless and dedicated officer and colleague, who made a great contribution to local government."