The leader of North Ayrshire Council has paid tribute to community champion Shirley Morgan after her sudden death.
Marie Burns said she had been deeply saddened by the passing of 'a much-loved colleague.'
Shirley, 49, was tragically found dead on Stevenston beach last Tuesday afternoon.
The loving mum was the lead locality officer for the Three Towns area. She was a hugely popular figure who was devoted to making her community a better place to live.
Councillor Burns said: “The shock and sadness at Shirley’s passing has been felt not only here in the council but across the community she served.
“With her smile, infectious personality and dedication to improving the lives of people in the Three Towns, she became a friend to countless number of people.
“She was a community champion in the truest sense of the word – loved and respected by so many.
“There is no doubt that Shirley was a force for good in her community. Ever since first getting to know Shirley, I was struck by how she was always on hand to offer advice, knowledge and help to anyone who needed it. Nothing was too much trouble.
“She will be missed dearly, not only by her colleagues across the council, but by the wider community too.
“The best way we can honour her life is to continue to work tirelessly for the community she has helped so much.”
Shirley, who worked for the council for almost two decades, started off as a youth worker before gaining her degree and becoming a community worker.
Latterly, she was the locality lead officer for the Three Towns area and was instrumental in a number of important projects. She formed close ties with numerous local organisations, ensuring their voice was heard and acted on.
During the initial stages of the Covid pandemic, she delivered support to those most at need in the Three Towns, helping to launch the Quaint Food Larder at Whitlees Community Centre and, most recently, at the forefront of setting up a new community hub in Stevenston.
Police have confirmed that Shirley’s death is not believed to be suspicious and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
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