TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Halton’s longest serving councillors.

Cllr Arthur Cole, 82, from Runcorn, died on Friday, following a short illness.

The dad-of-two served the community of Runcorn for 40 years.

He was married to his wife, known as Teddie, for 56 years and had three children Susan, Philip and Alison and one grandson Jack.

Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill said: “Arthur served a total of 40 years on Halton Council which is a real achievement.

“He was well respected by his fellow councillors past and present and will be very sadly missed.

“He was dedicated to the communities that he represented and will be fondly remembered by so many.

"On behalf of all Arthur’s friends and colleagues at Halton Council, our heartfelt condolences go out to Arthur’s wife, Teddie, and his family."

Halton Castle ward colleagues Cllrs Ellen Cargill and Harry Howard added: “Arthur was a very hard working elected member for Halton Castle Ward. “He was constantly looking for ways to improve the lives of all residents.
“His sense of humour and caring ways will be very sadly missed by all who knew him and worked alongside him.”

Liverpool-born Arthur became an apprentice bricklayer after leaving school at 16.

In 1956, he was called up for national service in the Royal Engineers and served in Malaya.

After returning home he worked for various building companies.

He moved to The Calvers in Runcorn with his young family in 1969 and continued to work as a bricklayer on the construction of the new town’s housing estates.

In 1974 he became a bricklaying instructor at the Government Training Centre inLiverpool.

After eight years he was promoted to technical officer and was then appointed chief instructor at Runcorn Skill Centre, where he managed six training sections.

In 1985, Arthur became technical officer in the Merseyside area office. His role involved youth and adult training in a variety of occupations, with special responsibility for health and safety.

In 1994 the Merseyside area office was privatised and Arthur returned to the Employment Service as a disability employment advisor, a post he held until retirement in 1997.

Arthur became a member of Runcorn Urban District Council in 1972.

After Runcorn and Widnes combined into one District Council, Arthur was elected to represent Halton Castle Ward.

Except for a break of three years from 2007 to 2010, Arthur served as a councillor for 42 years.

He held various positions including chairman of policy and resources, technical services, environmental health and beset value.

He was vice chairman of four other council committees and served as a non executive board member on Chester and Halton Health Trust, Halton Transport and represented the council on the board of Halton Housing Trust.

Arthur was the chairman of Runcorn Citizens Advice Bureau for several years.

He was appointed as a magistrate in 1976 and served for 21 years.

Arthur’s funeral will be held at 2.20pm on Wednesday, November 29 at Walton Lea Crematorium.

Family flowers only. Donations to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

A buffet will be served afterwards at Halton Royal British Legion on Main Street, Halton Village.