Tributes to first leader of council

3:11pm Thursday 17th May 2012 in Ramsbottom Photograph of the Author By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

FAMILY PRIDE Albert Little when he was made a freeman of the Bury borough two years ago. He is pictured with his actor grandson, Ralf FAMILY PRIDE Albert Little when he was made a freeman of the Bury borough two years ago. He is pictured with his actor grandson, Ralf

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Ramsbottom councillor who was the first leader of Bury Council.

Albert Little, 96, who was awarded the OBE and made an honorary freeman of the borough, died at sheltered accommodation in Holcombe Brook.

Following a distinguised career in education, his involvement in local politics spanned nearly 20 years.

He was a member of Ramsbottom’s former urban district council then moved on to the newly-created Bury Metropolitan Borough Council from 1974.

He was also president of Ramsbottom Royal British Legion for a number of years.

Mr Little was council leader for a total of 11 years and served as a Ramsbottom ward councillor until 1986.

In June, 2010, he was made an honorary freeman at the town hall.

Among family members attending the ceremony that day were his daughters Gillian and Carol and his actor grandson Ralf.

Mr Little’s political career began when he was elected to Ramsbottom Council in 1967 and became chairman in 1971.

He was borough council leader from 1974 to 1983 and again from 1984 to 1986. He was mayor in 1983-84 and was awarded the OBE in 1984.

The father-of-three, whose wife Marjorie died seven years ago, was born in Salford, served in the Royal Navy and became a teacher.

He was headteacher at St Mark’s, Bury, and later at a school in Middleton. He served as a school governor for many years and one of his proudest achievements was being instrumental in the creation of Ramsbottom’s Woodhey High School.

Former Bury North MP Alistair Burt said: “I admired Albert Little.

His life combined dedication to the teaching profession, to his wife and family and to serving his community.”

Council leader Mike Connolly said: “Albert served the people of Bury and, of course, Ramsbottom, with great dedication for nearly 20 years.”

His funeral will take place at Bury Parish Church on Friday, followed by interment at Radcliffe.

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