Tributes to popular councillor

TRIBUTES . . . Bill Cullen

THE shock death of an unassuming parish councillor will leave “a hole in the life of the whole community.”

That was the poignant tribute to Bill Cullen (66) from fellow councillor Barbara Beeley after his deatgh on Monday night at the Springhead home he shared with partner Enid Firth, the former Lib-Dem chair of Saddleworth Parish council.

Mr Cullen, who served 12 years on the parish council, was chairman in 2012 and consort to Mrs Firth during her term of office two years later.

He immersed himself in local life, serving on the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership and as director and secretary of Springhead Community Association.

Councillor Beeley added: “Anyone who needed help could always rely on Bill. He had principles and would stand up for them even when in the minority. He was an honest, kind and caring man who quietly worked to make his corner of the world a better place. His passing will leave a hole in the life of the local community that won’t easily be filled.”

John Hudson, a former Mayor of Oldham and an Oldham and Saddleworth parish councillor, said: “Bill was a truly splendid person. He was totally committed to improving things. He was a moderniser.”