Tributes have been paid to a former mayor of Merton and Labour councillor Stuart Pickover who died last week.

Stuart Pickover, left, with former town crier Peter Moore at the All England Lawn Tennis Club

John Stuart Pickover, known as Stuart, was elected as a Labour councillor for the Dundonald ward in Wimbledon in 1994 and served as a councillor there until 2002.

He was the mayor of Merton from 2001 to 2002.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Pickover, 74, after he died on Thursday 24 November.

Merton Council leader, Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “I am saddened to hear of the death of Stuart Pickover who served as a Labour Dundonald ward councillor and mayor of Merton. He was liked by everyone who knew him and would always go out of his way to help people.  I would like to pass my sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Stuart Pickover on the left with Joe Jennings

Councillor Oonagh Moulton, Merton Conservative group leader, said: “I am saddened to learn of former councillor and past mayor of Merton Stuart Pickover’s death. He was a community stalwart and on behalf of the Conservative group of councillors I send our deepest condolences to his family.”

Councillor David Williams, who served alongside Mr Pickover during his time at Merton Council, said: “Stuart and his late wife were loyal Labour party members and yet I forged a personal bond with them based on trust and mutual respect. When he lost his council seat in 2002 at the conclusion of his year in office it was a bitter blow but he never let it cloud our relationship.  He was a good servant of his party but more particularly of his constituents in Dundonald ward.”

Mr Pickover’s funeral will take place on Wednesday 7 December at St Lawrence’s Church, Epsom Road, Morden at 12.30pm.

Afterwards, people are invited to the Central Ward Residents Club, Ashridge Way, Morden.

His family have requested donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Society although flowers will be acceptable as well. Donations to be made at Frederick W Paine Funeral Directors in Morden.