Tributes have flooded in for our Parbold councillor who sadly passed away last week.
Councillor Barbara Kean became a councillor in 2010 and lived in Dalton for many years. Her funeral was held on Monday and was attended by many councillors.
Fellow Parbold councillor May Blake said: “Barbara supported her local community as a governor at Dalton St Michael’s C.E school and was a lay reader at the Church of St. Michael and All Angels.
“She was a warm and friendly lady: conscientious and loyal member of the Conservative Party and borough councillor. Barbara and I worked closely together in the ward particularly on planning issues.
"Barbara celebrated her birthday in July and was delighted when her son Simon and family arranged a surprise party for her. She was able to celebrate her special day with her close family and many friends. Barbara will be sadly missed by her family and her many friends.”
A council spokesperson said: “Barbara was a lovely lady and a committed councillor. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.”
During her time as a councillor she served on the Corporate and Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Licensing and Gambling Committee, Licensing Sub-Committee, and the Planning Committee. She also represented the council on Ashurst Tenants and Residents Association.
Councillor Ian Grant, the leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, said: “All my councillor colleagues and I were sorry to learn of the passing of Barbara.
“Barbara was a hard working councillor. She had a real interest in the Parbold ward, but also a much wider interest in West Lancashire and the country.
“Her interest in travelling was like reading a travel brochure – there were few places in the world that Barbara had not visited or had an interest in.
“She was the first to offer support to her councillor colleagues at meetings and was never shy to do additional work if the need arose. Numerous colleagues have said she was a lovely lady, and indeed she was.”