TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Labour councillor who was found dead at her home in the West End of Barry on Wednesday, February 6.

Former Baruc ward councillor, Blodwen Griffiths served her community with “honour and compassion” from 1995 to 1999 and was the vice chairwoman of the Council in her last year of office.

Vale council Labour opposition leader, Cllr Neil Moore said it was “with great sadness and shock to hear about Blodwen’s untimely passing."

He said: “Blodwen was a long-time member of the Labour Party and fought vigorously and vociferously for causes she believed in.

“She was also very involved in the work of the Labour Women’s Forum.

“Blodwen was interested in mental health issues, especially those surrounding post-natal depression and how it’s understood and treated.

“Blodwen campaigned tirelessly for women’s rights, particularly within marriage and where they stood in relation to the law.

“Although she was no longer a councillor, she continued her campaigning and helped devise the very successful exhibition last year, which was displayed in three Vale libraries.

“The exhibition commemorated the centenary of partial suffrage for women and linked with the local history of the Vale and referenced the visit by Emmaline Pankhurst to the Co-operative Hall. in Broad Street, Barry.

“She also made a banner that was used at an International Women’s Day event two years ago.

“Apart from that Blodwen was also involved in the planning of the annual Dorothy Rees Memorial Lunch, which honours the only woman to represent Barry as a Member of Parliament.”

“Blodwen will be sorely missed for her dedication to the causes she loved,” he added. “Our thoughts go out to her friends and the family.”

Vale AM Jane Hutt said: “It is with great sadness that I pay tribute to the life of Blodwen Griffiths who was a long-standing member of the Vale of Glamorgan Labour Party contributing to local branch and women’s forum meetings; dedicating herself to public and political service.

“I worked with Blodwen over 20 years ago as councillor for the Baruc ward where she lived, serving her constituents with dedication and integrity.

“I have valued her opinions and views on life and politics over the past two decades.

A teacher by profession, Blodwen was a strong character with a passion for social justice and fair play which motivated her throughout her life coming originally from the Swansea Valley.

“My deepest sympathies are with her family, friends and neighbours.

“She was a key figure in Barry and she will be a great loss to us all.”

Nic Hodges added: “We served Baruc ward together from 1995 to 1999.

“I got to know Blodwen really well in recent years and we would meet over coffee and chat about the world."

South Wales Police said it was investigating the sudden death of a woman from Barry.

Officers were called to an address in Romilly Park Road, Barry, on February 6, at around 7.40pm.

The 66-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Her death is being treated as non-suspicious.

"The woman’s next of kin and HM Coroner have been informed."