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Â鶹ÊÓƵ is saddened to announce the passing of Councillor Joe Amar.

Councillor Amar died aged 69, on Sunday 9 April after a period of ill health and having served the Biddick and All Saints ward in South Shields from May 2015 when he was first elected to the Council.

He was a member on several committees including Audit and Planning committees and People Select Committee. He was also Chair of West Shields, Cleadon and East Boldon Community Area Forum.

On behalf of the Council, Councillor Amar also held positions on the North East Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee and South Tyneside Regional Equality Forum.

Until recently, Councillor Amar served as Deputy Mayor of South Tyneside alongside his Deputy Mayoress, Lynn Blair. He was appointed Deputy Mayor in May 2021 until stepping down from the role last year.

He decided not to stand again in this year's Local Government Elections.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Pat Hay said: "I was terribly saddened to hear the news of Joe's death this week.

"We have lost a real gentleman, a great councillor and dear friend. Joe was committed to serving the people of Biddick and All Saints until the time came for him to focus on his health.

"Joe will be a huge miss to me personally, having known him since I was a teenager and us serving alongside each other in our civic duties. Our thoughts are very much Joe's family and friends at this sad time."

Former shipyard and Westoe Colliery worker Councillor Amar was born and raised in South Shields, attending Holy Trinity Infant and Junior School and Dean Road County Secondary School. He graduated from Sunderland Polytechnic/University with an Honours Degree in Social Science and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Computers.

Councillor Amar worked for many years in mental health, managing a Day Centre and working on a housing project. He also gained a City and Guilds Diploma in Housing while volunteering for the housing association.

As a mark of respect, the South Tyneside flag is being flown at half-mast at South Shields Town Hall and will remain in place until after Councillor Amar's funeral.