Popular vet who had pioneering role in new train station plan dies
Peter Jiman was a well-known vet from Herefordshire, with local MP Jesse Norman paying tribute.
Tributes have been paid to a well-known Herefordshire vet and county councillor after his death aged 72.
Peter Jinman died this week, Herefordshire Council said, with a local MP praising his pioneering role in the plan to reopen a railway station.
The station at Pontrilas was a victim of the Beeching cuts in the 1960s, but there is a small group working on plans to reopen it.
Sitting on the Marches Line between Hereford and Abergavenny, Cllr Jinman had been working with others, including Hereford and South Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman.
He said: "I worked closely with him and Clive Stenton on trying to reopen Pontrilas station and that campaign will continue.
"If we ever get it across the line, believe me, I shall be campaigning for it to be called Jinman Halt or the Jinman Line or something in recognition of his pioneering role in helping to get it off the ground."
Mr Norman, Minister of State for Decarbonisation and Technology, also said his death was desperately sad as he was the most sane and strong voice for the county.
He was also former president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and was chair of a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committee.
A Herefordshire resident since the 1970s and a county councillor since 2017, Mr Norman also called him a wonderful man, a great vet and an absolutely lovely human being.
Serving as ward member for Golden Valley South, Herefordshire Council said he was an active member as a Cabinet support member until May, and as vice-chairperson of the health, care and wellbeing scrutiny committee.
Councillor Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council said: “On behalf of all Herefordshire councillors, I want to express our sadness at the death of Councillor Peter Jinman.
“Cllr Jinman was deeply respected by everyone at the council and in his own ward where he was a veterinary practitioner. He was also a past President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and was chairman of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee at DEFRA.
"He was profoundly knowledgeable and applied this with true dedication to his work and contribution to the council, which benefited so many people.
“He will be sorely missed by all. Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues”.
Flags at Herefordshire Council buildings have been lowered to half-mast in respect. They will remain at half-mast until the day of the funeral.