The extraordinary scenes unfolded at Monday’s session of Attleborough Town Council, which has endured years of turmoil between councillors which has seen it nicknamed Battleborough.

Peter Neal, a previous mayor but who is not currently on the council, was speaking from the floor during a section for members of the public to ask questions.

Peter Neal was speaking from the floor during a section for members of the public to ask questions (Image: Attleborough Town Council on YouTube)

He had implored the authority to find a way through its chronic dysfunction and closed his speech with the words: “Please, please can we find a way forward?”

Moments later, the 68-year-old collapsed.

Members of the council and other locals gave him CPR and a defibrillator from a pub near the town hall was used.

Mr Neal was pronounced dead at the scene (Image: Facebook)

The air ambulance was called but despite the efforts of the crew, Mr Neal was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tributes have been paid to him, while the flag at the Town Hall has been lowered to half mast as a mark of respect.

Daniel Piddington, a county councillor and deputy mayor at the authority, has been one of many to pay their respects to Mr Neal (Image: Supplied)

Daniel Piddington, the deputy mayor and one of those who gave CPR, said: “It is heartbreaking that his life ended in the place where he had devoted so much of his time and service to the community.”

Mr Neal served as major of Attleborough Town Council between 2002 and........

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