31098-05A COMMUNITY came together yesterday to bid an emotional farewell to one of its leading stalwarts.

People's champion Matt McCue, who battled tirelessly to rid the Broad Street area of Swindon of vice girls, died suddenly on June 16 following a stomach illness. He was 52.

More than 100 mourners packed Kingsdown Crematorium for the 30-minute service, with many forced to stand in the aisles.

And, as a fitting tribute to the mechanic said to have a wonderful sense of humour, a pick-up truck belonging to Mr McCue's previous employer formed part of the cortge.

Spiritualist minister Sylvia Thorne, who conducted the service, said the community had lost a great man but stressed the need to carry on Street Watch the action group he helped set up.

"He had a great sense of purpose and he worked hard for the community in which he lived," she said.

"He was somebody who cared about people and he gave his time to the community.

"His dearest wish was to bring people of different races and creeds together. And, although his life was short, he achieved so much."

Outside, mourners spoke warmly of him. Coun Garry Perkins (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) said he would be a hard act to follow.

"He was a straight-down-the-middle kind of man," said Coun Perkins. "What he said was what he meant."

Earlier this month, Mr McCue stood as a Conservative candidate in the local elections.

And Coun Perkins reckons he would have made a great councillor.

He said: "Matt was a man of the people. He was always around and always concerned with local issues."

Les Horn, the chairman of Broad Street Community Council, of which Mr McCue was a member, said he had hoped he would take over the reins.

Inspector Wendy Grant, of Swindon police, said: "Matt was one of those rare people who felt so strongly about something that rather than waiting for somebody else to take action he took the problem on himself.

"He has drastically helped reduce the problem of prostitution in his area, improving life for residents.

"It is a great loss to the community but now it's important to continue his hard work with the same enthusiasm."

Kevin Shoesmith