Tributes have poured in for a former Renfrewshire councillor – described as a “lovely gentleman” – after elected members were informed of his passing.

Bill Binks, a Conservative representative for Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch between 2017 and 2022, died earlier this month.

A former convener of the council’s audit, risk and scrutiny board, Mr Binks also had a spell as a member of East Dunbartonshire Council from 2007 to 2012.

Provost Lorraine Cameron, an SNP representative for Paisley Southwest, told councillors of the news at a meeting of full council on Thursday.

She said: “Some of you will know Bill. He served a term on the council from 2017 to 2022 and I considered him to be a lovely gentleman while he was here.

“I just wanted to let you know about his passing and I want to add that we send our condolences to his friends and family.

“I’m sure he will be very sadly missed by them.”

(Image: Renfrewshire Council) Councillor Neill Graham, Conservative group leader and representative for Paisley Northeast and Ralston, said Mr Binks, a friend of his, “lived a long and very happy life”.

He added: “Bill was very much a community-minded man. Once he was elected in 2017 he took his responsibility as a councillor very seriously and did a very good job of standing up for the constituents he represented in that ward.

“Personally, he was a very good friend to me … [He had a] wealth of knowledge and experience in politics and life in general.

“He was a very nice man, a quiet man, but a man that I’ve not heard anyone say a bad word about.

“I’m sure the Conservative group and everyone in the chamber who knew him will miss him greatly.”

Councillor Andy Doig, an independent representative for Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, was a ward colleague of Mr Binks during his time at the council.

He said: “In his term in 2017 to 2022, he was also convener of audit, risk and scrutiny and he did some sterling work there in relation to bus transport, which was a key issue he felt was important to the villages.

“He will be exceptionally missed, especially by Howwood.

“He was an active member of Howwood Community Council before he became an elected member here.”

Councillor Iain McMillan, Labour group leader and representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, said he was “very sad” to hear of his passing this week – describing him as a “lovely man”.

He added: “He was a chap if you saw him down Johnstone town centre, you would go to him to have a blether.

“He was always quick to have a word, a very nice man.”