A SALISBURY councillor has been remembered for being a "tremendous" public servant and a "dedicated champion" of businesses in the city. 

Councillor Mary Webb, who served the St Paul's ward on Salisbury City Council (May 2021 to August 2022) and Wiltshire Council, has passed away.

She also chaired the Wiltshire and Somerset committee for the Federation of Small Businesses until 2019. 

A statement issued by Salisbury City Council said: "It is with much regret that the death of Councillor Mary Webb is announced. Cllr Webb was a Conservative councillor for Salisbury City Council representing St Paul’s ward from May 2021 to August 2022.

"The City Flag will be flown at half-mast on the Guildhall until sunset on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect."

Mary, who was born in Tidworth and lived in Salisbury for more than 50 years, trained as an upholsterer and worked for two local interior design companies on a self-employed basis.

With her husband Peter they opened a B&B and won the England in Excellence award.

After losing her husband she went onto open four self-catering apartments until finally, with partners converting The Clovelly Hotel into Peartree Serviced Apartments.

'Kind, generous and empathetic person'

Wiltshire and Salisbury City Cllr Charles McGrath praised her "immensely valuable contributions" made during her time on both councils and her "passion" for championing independent businesses.

He said: "Mary was a tremendous councillor and public servant who, in her 15 months in the role, had an incredible impact on both her ward - St Paul's - and Salisbury more widely. She made immensely valuable contributions in both her roles as Wiltshire and Salisbury City Councillor, even as recently as last month. 

"Previously a small business owner herself, she had an in-depth knowledge of the challenges faced by budding enterprises and put this at the heart of her work as a councillor. She was also constantly available to her residents and always tried her best to resolve their issues - an essential, but often not well appreciated, quality in a councillor," he added. 

"Most of all, Mary was a kind, generous and empathetic person who was a dear friend to all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time."

A 'dedicated' business champion 

Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce said: "The board are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Mary Webb. Mary was a dedicated business champion for Salisbury & former chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, always so enthusiastic & dedicated to doing her very best for the City. We will miss you Mary."

In a Tweet former chamber president Andy Rhind Tutt added: "Mary was a truly wonderful lady, absolutely dedicated to the City of Salisbury. We will miss her enthusiasm, friendship and support to the business community."

A tribute on behalf of the Federation of Small Businesses' (FSB) Somerset and Wiltshire team and all of the wider FSB staff and members, who had the opportunity of working with her, said: "Mary was an incredibly loyal and prominent supporter of FSB over many years.

"Mary was extremely well connected to the Salisbury business community and highly respected. She was committed to support local small businesses and most recently was a leading player in the resurgence of Salisbury following the Novichok incident. A great friend to FSB and our thoughts are with her family and close friends at this time."

'Admired by the people she served'

Salisbury MP John Glen said on Twitter: "Today, Salisbury has lost one of our very best. Mary Webb was a dedicated public servant to our community, faithful and loyal to the residents of St Paul’s and Salisbury, and admired by the people she served."

Cllr Webb represented Salisbury St Paul’s since 2021 on Wiltshire Council and had previously been a member of the Environment Select Committee.

Wiltshire Council leader Cllr Richard Clewer said: “I am sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of Cllr Mary Webb. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.

“I have known Mary for many years working with her as part of the Salisbury business community where she was an effective advocate for their needs and more lately as a Councillor. Cllr Webb’s dedication in her role as a local councillor for Salisbury St Paul’s was a great example to us all. She will be greatly missed by everyone.”