TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Cockenzie’s leading campaigners, who passed away recently.

Larry Tomlins, who was chairman of Cockenzie West Tenants and Residents Association, was involved in campaigns to reduce speeding and upgrade local park facilities in his community.

The grandfather-of-two was an active supporter of the recent fight to implement speeding restrictions outside new housing at The Chimneys, Cockenzie, and helped oversee the trial and subsequent introduction of 20 miles per hour (mph) speed limits in the Whin Park area of the village.

Mr Tomlins, 77, grew up in Ayrshire and moved to Cockenzie more than 50 years ago, where he raised his family with wife Ann.

A consultant engineer, he ran his own successful business and still found the time to be an active member of his local community.

He was a founding member of the tenants’ and residents’ association, which helped improve Whin Park for local families.

Ward councillor Fiona O’Donnell said: “Larry made a huge contribution to the tenants’ and residents’ association and the wider community. He understood and clearly articulated the interests of local people. He will be sorely missed.”

Laura Bishop from the campaign to reduce speeding at Avenue Road, outside The Chimneys, said: “Larry was a lovely man who helped us with our campaign to make Avenue Road pelican crossing safer for the children using it to cross to get to school.

“Sending condolences to his family.”

Mr Tomlins is survived by his wife, his four children, his daughter-in-law and his two grandchildren.