Tributes were paid at Wednesday’s full council meeting to principal social worker Magda Legowska, who was tragically killed earlier this week in a road traffic accident on the Talgarth Road junction with North End Road.

Magda, who had worked for the council since July 2001, was commended as an exceptional social worker who was dedicated and committed to the large number of children and families she had worked with.

From her appointment in 2001, she had quickly progressed becoming a senior social worker and then one of the first members of staff to be become a Principal Social Worker. This role was specifically created in H&F in 2007 to recognise and encourage staff to progress to the highest standard within the profession.

The Mayor, Councillor Frances Stainton described Magda as very professional, cheerful, positive and highly regarded by her colleagues. She had a particular interest in education and always encouraged her children to their best, knowing how important this would be for their future.

The Mayor said: " Her death is a tragic loss to the social work profession and to the Council and a huge personal loss to those who worked closely with her."

Councillor Helen Binmore added: " Magda cared passionately about the children she was involved with and worked with tenacity to improve the quality of their life. She was highly regarded by her colleagues, friends and her young people and contributed hugely to the council. She was extremely hard-working.

" Her death is a great loss to the profession, to the many children and families that she helped over the years and a huge personal loss to the colleagues who respected and admired her so much."

Magda leaves a family of four children.

Magda, who was 50, died in a collision with a van at the junction of Talgarth Road and North End road at lunchtime on Monday. The 23 year-old van driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and was later bailed to return in August.

Senior Investigation officer April Cummins from the Road Death Investigation Unit is asking for anyone who witnessed the collision, or the events leading up to it, to contact her on 0208 941 9011

July 1, 2011