Tributes paid to popular councillor

Cllr Allison, 73, who bravely fought cancer, passed away peacefully at home with his family around him.

The former bus driver who represented the people of Byker for 33 years was given the highest honour the council can give – Freedom of the City on Wednesday following a special meeting of the council.

Although Cllr Allison was too unwell to attend, some of his family attended the ceremony and he was aware that the city had bestowed him the honour before he passed away.

The Leader of Council, Cllr Nick Forbes, said: “George was a real champion of his local community and played a significant role in the life of this city.

“He was fair, respected and trusted, but above all modest and never sought recognition for his decades of public service. He was liked right across the political divide and richly deserving of the Freedom of the City conferred on him on Wednesday night.

“His name will be engraved into the wall of the Banqueting Suite alongside all the other greats that have served this city. He will be hugely missed. My heart goes out to his wife Julia, son Stuart and the rest of his family at this upsetting time.”

His friend of many years and fellow Byker councillor Nick Kemp said: “George Allison was the embodiment of public service, dedicating his life selflessly to the people of Newcastle and particularly Byker.

“There are many thousands of people who benefited from his advice, guidance, and support. He was a dear colleague who will be truly missed.”

Council chief executive Pat Ritchie said: “George was very well known in the community of Byker he served for 33 years. He had many friends among fellow councillors and council officers in the authority and he will be greatly missed. Our sympathies are with his wife and family at this sad time.”

Among the many causes and organisations he was involved in and supported during his time on the council were: Byker Primary School, Byker Community Trust, the Tommy Thompson Trust, the Great North 2000 Credit Union, the Lightfoot Centre, the East End Partnership and many others, with one aim – to make things better for his community.

He worked as a bus driver for Stagecoach (Newcastle) Busways until his retirement in 2001.

His wider role on the council saw him serve on numerous committees, including (Chair of Housing Committee, board member of YHN) and planning (Chair of Planning Committee, and before that Development, Planning and Highways Committee). 

As chair of planning committee, he was widely respected for his impartiality and skills in handling tricky, often controversial schemes, and allowing members of the public to feel that their views were being heard.