FORMER?town mayor Elsa Bulmer has died, aged 95.

The popular Petersfield councillor and former chairman of East Hampshire District Council was elected as an independent member in May 1976 and was successfully returned in 1979, 1983, 1987, 1991 and 1995.

She originally stood in Petersfield North East and finally represented Petersfield St Mary’s. She served as chairman of the council in 1991-92.

Mrs Bulmer died on June 29.

David Ashcroft, the current district council chairman, said Mrs Bulmer was committed to the people she served.

“Elsa was a lovely person and hugely popular in the council and around the community,” he said.

“She worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the residents she served and will be remembered with great fondness by this council. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”