FLAGS in Rossendale have been flown at half mast this week in tribute to a former council leader who served the borough for decades.

David Johnson, 79, described as ‘forthright, respectful and personable’, was the first councillor to become an honorary alderman in the borough.

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Mr Johnson, who lived in Edenfield, represented his home ward for the Conservatives from the formation of Rossendale Borough Council in 1974.

He had previously spent 10 years on the former Ramsbottom Urban District Council.

Mr Johnson, along with fellow Eden representative Philip Dunne, received the honorary alderman title at Rossendale Town Hall in recognition of their many years of civic service in 2008. Cllr Peter Evans was a party colleague who worked alongside Mr Johnson when he was leader.

He said: “David was a leader in every sense of the word and worked hard for the people of this borough.

“He was forthright and determined but always personable and approachable.

“Myself and others learned a lot from him and he had the respect of councillors of all political colours.”

His political career spanned 50 years starting as a councillor on Ramsbottom Urban District Council.

He was involved in the local government reorganisation which saw the creation of Rossendale Borough Council in 1974 and served as a councillor from 1973 until 1990.

Mr Johnson’s working life saw him run a family engineering business in Salford called William Birch Engineering.

He is survived by wife Kay, daughters Nina and Fiona and two grandchildren.

A spokesman for Rossendale Council, said: “The flag is flying at half-mast in Rawtenstall as a mark of respect for David Johnson, honorary alderman, former Eden ward councillor, leader of the council and chairman of Ramsbottom Urban District Council. The council’s thoughts are with Mr Johnson’s wife and family at this sad time.”