Tributes have poured in for beloved Powys Councillor Mike Williams who passed away at the end of this week.

The Machynlleth and Montgomeryshire community have paid their respects to the highly respected Michael Williams who was County Councillor for Machynlleth for over 40 years.

One Machynlleth resident said: “He was more than a County Councillor – he was Machynlleth through and through. Nos da Mr Williams.”

Mr Williams had served as Councillor for Machynlleth ward since 1981 and his passing has had been felt heavily by those who served with him.

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Councillor for Welshpool Llanerchyddol, Graham Breeze said: “Such sad news and a huge loss to his family and for Machynlleth.

“I owe Mike so much for his kindness, advice and friendship since joining him on Powys County Council over seven years ago. Always the gentleman and dedicated to the people of Machynlleth.”

Montgomeryshire MS Russell George, who served on the council with Mr Williams before being elected to the Senedd, said : “Big crowds at Machynlleth Carnival today. Much conversation about the sad news that Michael Williams passed away this week.

“Michael represented Machynlleth for decades on Town & County Council, he will be sorely missed.”

Those in the community have also paid their tributes. In a post on social media, Cyril Evans, who worked as the manager at charity Advice Mid Wales, said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Cllr Michael Williams, a really good man and a very hard working ‘hands on’ councillor who was involved with, committed to, and supported so many local organisations and charities over many years.

“This included being a much valued and respected long term trustee and steering group member of two programmes that I managed and on which I had the pleasure of working quite closely with Michael, with these being  Bro Ddyfi Communities First and Advice Mid Wales.

“He was also a lifelong supporter of Machynlleth FC and was heavily involved in Bowls, Snooker, Football Refereeing, Cricket and other sports over the years. He’ll be a huge loss not only to the town but the whole of the Dyfi Valley.”

(Image: NQ)

Machynlleth Football Club put out a statement which dedicated the next game in his memory - “Yesterday was a sad day for the town of Machynlleth. The news of Michael Williams passing away just hasn’t sunk in for the residents of our town.

“Amongst everything he did for the town and towns people Michael was a big part of your football club in both junior and senior levels and a well respected referee for many years, as well as a truly kind and gentle man.

“Today’s game will be dedicated to Michael as we all remember him with happy memories.

Staff at Machynlleth Fire Station also paid tribute to Mr Williams and said: “As a station, we are saddened to hear of the passing of councillor Michael Williams.

“He was a true gentleman and dedicated servant to Machynlleth, Dyfi Valley, and Powys. As an ex-fire service board member, he always prioritized the well-being of Machynlleth. His presence will be deeply missed.

They were joined by Freedom Leisure Bro Ddyfi, who said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of County Councillor Michael Williams.

“Cllr Mike dedicated his whole life to the people and community of Machynlleth. He would regularly pop in to see how the centre was doing and have a chat with the staff.

“Mike will certainly be a huge loss to us all.”