Affection for New River ward Hackney councillor, Maureen Middleton, spurred residents to campaign for a permanent reminder of her dedication to her constituents three years after her death.

Hackney Gazette: Yvonne Kleinberg, left, and Maureen Middleton's family remember the Hackney councillor with a memorial erected in the garden of Maplewood Apartments, Woodberry Grove North.Yvonne Kleinberg, left, and Maureen Middleton's family remember the Hackney councillor with a memorial erected in the garden of Maplewood Apartments, Woodberry Grove North. (Image: Archant)

Longstanding Conservative councillor, Maureen Middleston died aged 68 following a heart attack in August 2010 after 12 years service on the council.

A stalwart for the community despite suffering several bouts of illness, Ms Middleton who was born and bred in Hackney, was first elected to New Bridge ward in Stamford Hill in 1998 and had served continuously since then.

Former constituents Yvonne Kleinberg and her husband Ian decided it would be fitting to have a memorial for Ms Middleton on the Woodberry Down Estate as a permanent reminder of how much she was appreciated by the community.

Mrs Kleinberg said: “Even in poor health, Maureen still pushed herself relentlessly to resolve resident’s problems.

“Our councillor had worked passionately for everyone in the New River and Brownswood Wards, Hackney and beyond for three terms.”

The memorial which was designed by Mr Kleinberg, funded by Genesis Housing Association and made by sculptor Adam Williamson, was unveiled on Sunday in Katherine Close, Woodberry Grove North.

Cllr Linda Kelly who attended the ceremony said: “What hit home was how much Maureen was loved by her constituents and how much they appreciated the hard work she did for them.

“How many councillors can claim this affection and what an honour it is to have a memorial dedicated by strength of that love and appreciation.”