Former mayor's 'unwavering service' to city

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former mayor of Truro following her death at the age of 84.

- by ANNETTE BELCHER [e-mail] @CornwallLive

Doris Ansari dedicated 40 years' service to her adopted city.

She was born in Ince-in-Makerfield, Lancashire, and moved to Truro in 1961 with her husband, Dr Asad Ansari.

Her first campaign, in the 1970s, was against a proposal to charge for museum admission, which would have affected Truro Museum.

This success set her on the road to a life in politics, and in 1971 she stood for election to Truro City Council, becoming one of the few female councillors.

She served on various committees, became deputy mayor in 1977 and the following year was chosen to be mayor of Truro.

During that time she was instrumental in forging the twinning arrangement between Truro and Morlaix in Brittany, a friendship which continues to this day.

In 1974 she was elected to Carrick District Council, becoming the leader of the Liberal group, where she took a particular interest in ensuring council housing was fairly allocated.