TRIBUTES have been paid to a “dedicated and much-liked” former Huncoat councillor who has died aged 74.

Arlene Walker, of Windermere Avenue, Huncoat, fought against the erosion of greenbelt as a Labour councillor for the ward between 1992 and 1996.

Peel Labour Councillor Bernard Dawson was a colleague of Mrs Walker and her late husband Eric, who also a councillor.

He said: “Arlene was a hard working councillor at a time when there were problems in the Huncoat ward and it wasn’t an easy job.

“She was a genuinely nice person who threw herself into community work, and was well liked for it.

“She wanted to be involved in helping people before she became a councillor, and also continued to do that after she stepped down. It’s very sad news that she has passed away, she was very highly thought of.”

Before moving to Huncoat, Mrs Walker was a cigarette packer in Middleton, Manchester, and then worked in the local Whittaker Arms, formerly the Cemetery Pub.

She was a passionate Manchester United fan, member of the Labour party member, and enjoyed reading and gardening. She was also a school governor at Huncoat Primary School.

In 1996, she decided not to stand for re-election after being axed from Hyndburn Borough Council commitees for not supporting her party chiefs.

Mrs Walker leaves her sister Judith Wallace, children Karen Jones and Glyn Jones, grandchildren Sara, Michael, Judith and Kirsty, great-grandchildren Lewis, Amiee, Jack, Callum and Ethan, and brother-in-law John.