North Somerset businessman Derek Mead has been killed in a farming accident, the Mercury understands.

Weston Mercury: Derek Mead with his son Alistair.Derek Mead with his son Alistair. (Image: Archant)

The 72-year-old died over the weekend in an accident, reportedly involving a tractor on his own farm.

Despite paramedics’ best efforts, he died as a result of his injuries.

He was a prominent businessman in North Somerset and was involved in companies including Mead Realisations Ltd, Puxton Park and bid to reopen the Tropicana into an open-air pool once again.

However, it was within the farming industry that Mr Mead was best known and only last week he was taking part in the Bath & West Show in Shepton Mallet.

Weston Mercury: Derek Mead with his partner Geri Gallen outside the Tropicana which he sought permission from North Somerset Council to restore as a pool.Derek Mead with his partner Geri Gallen outside the Tropicana which he sought permission from North Somerset Council to restore as a pool. (Image: Archant)

In recent years he also had become increasingly involved in local politics.

He was elected as an independent to Weston-super-Mare Town Council and North Somerset Council in 2013, when a position on both councils became available.

He went on to help form the North Somerset First Independents group and was re-elected in 2015.

Weston Town Council has offered its sympathies to Mr Mead’s family.

On Twitter, it said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Cllr Derek Mead.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Mr Mead leaves behind two sons and a daughter.