I WANTED to write and pay my respects to Ken Somner, a great public servant whom I heard had passed away suddenly.

As a newcomer to working in Redditch, Ken made me immediately feel welcome and assisted me tirelessly with information to help my work.

It was clear to me his passion and devotion to making Redditch a better place was unequivocal.

To all of the lives he touched, he spread a golden touch and his lasting legacy is the houses provided with Redditch Co-operative Homes to help those in housing need both now and in the future.

Throughout his extensive political career, Ken held dear the principles of equality and social justice and worked tirelessly to create lasting hope and opportunity for those in Redditch.

I salute you Ken Sommner for being a hard-working public servant, who never tired of helping the town and people whom he loved and giving us a proud legacy on which to build.

Daniel Russell

Lusbridge Close

Halesowen