ONE of the co-founders of Chepstow Radio has died at the age of 54.

Alison Beasley, who lost her battle with an aggressive cancer last Friday (21st March), has been described as a visionary and an inspiration in the town she had lived in her whole life.

A driving force in the community, Alison ran four different pubs in Chepstow and was involved in the birth of Chepstow Creates as well as the Chepstow Radio.

A tribute posted on Monmouthshire County Council's website said Alison, known to many as Landlady Lil, was a real tour de force.

"Alison had a unique ability to make great stuff happen and truly believed in the power of action based on what matters to local people," the statement said.

"An avid music lover, as well as performer in bands such as 'Sould as Seen', Alison devoted much time and attention to championing the start-up of the radio station because she understood the value it could add to Chepstow life – she even did her own DJ slot.

"Alison championed and supported so many local bands in their first efforts into the live music scene.

"Her mission was to connect all the retailers, promote local events and activities and to create a unique experience for visitors, shoppers and local people alike.

"When hearing the tributes that came pouring into Chepstow Radio on Saturday as well as the site of hundreds of people changing their Facebook profile to show Alison's face – it was abundantly clear she'd achieved her goal.

"Alison was a figure-head; a visionary and an inspiration. She would simply describe herself as a mum trying to make a living.

"Humble, courageous and positive to the end – her twitter feed was as entertaining, funny and insightful as ever – you'd never know she was battling an aggressive form of cancer.

"And that was the Alison we all knew and loved – business as usual; no self pity."

Alex Stanley, who co-founded Chepstow Radio with Alison, said: "Alison was instrumental in new ideas and businesses in and around Chepstow.

"She was well known everywhere due to the amazing amount of championing she did for businesses.

"She was a focal point of the Chamber of Commerce and was a prominent figure in the area.

"In terms of Chepstow Radio she made it happen. There will be a massive hole in Chepstow that I don't think any one person will be able to fill.

"Alison was a lovely, happy, friendly person who never had a nasty word to say about anyone."