A former Melksham town councillor who launched a campaign to set up a brass band in the town has died from bowel cancer.

Grandmother Joan Kinder, 54, who died on Sunday after losing her cancer battle, has been remembered by her family and councillors.

Mrs Kinder, who lived in the Forest area of Melksham, was a Conservative councillor representing the Spa ward for four years, but stood down about 18 months ago because of her illness.

Daughter Caroline, 28, said the family had come to Melksham in 1992 and her mother had worked at Lowden Garden Centre in Shaw and Leekes in Beanacre Road.

“She liked to garden and also enjoyed cooking in her spare time,” she said.

“She was quite outspoken and very opinionated, there was no messing around as far as she was concerned.

“She was a very loving mum and grandmother and loved spending time with her grandchildren, Chloe, who is seven and Euan who is six.”

Melksham mayor Richard Wiltshire said Mrs Kinder was highly regarded and a keen advocate of community safety.

Cllr Vic Oakman added: “She will be sorely missed in Melksham.”

Her funeral will be held at West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington on Thursday, April 16 at 11.30am.