Hyndburn residents are being urged to come out and line the streets to pay their respects to one of the borough’s long-serving councillors, Dave Parkins, after he passed away over the weekend.
Dubbed ‘Mr Huncoat’ for his decades of service to people in his ward, news of Cllr Parkins’ death on Sunday was met with widespread sadness from his colleagues and constituents, who praised his dedication to public life.
Before being elected to Hyndburn Borough Council in the 1990s, the 76-year-old had spent years serving first in the Royal Navy and then in the Army as a paratrooper, including service in Northern Ireland.
Arrangements are now being made for his funeral, which is being held on Wednesday, September 23, with a very special role for members of the public who wish to pay their respects to a man who spent most of his life serving the public.
An announcement of the funeral plans reads: “It is with great sadness that we share the funeral details for Cllr Dave Parkins, who passed away peacefully on Sunday 13th September 2026, aged 76 years.
“A funeral service will take place on Wednesday 23rd September at 2:30pm at Accrington Crematorium, Burnley Road, Accrington, BB5 6HA.”
Members of the public who wish to pay their respects to Dave will be able to do so on his way towards Accrington, with a procession through the village he spent so many years fighting for.
The announcement continues: “Following the service, there will be a celebration of Dave’s life at Accrington Town Hall.”
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It adds: “Prior to the service, the funeral cortège will travel along the main route through Huncoat Village, giving the residents of Huncoat an opportunity to pay their respects and say goodbye to Dave.”
Anyone wishing to do the same as the procession makes its way to the crematorium is encouraged to line the route and wear a small sign of their support. Donations are also encouraged for a group dedicated to improving Huncoat.
The announcement states: “Members of the public are also warmly encouraged to line the route from Bolton Avenue through to the cemetery gates to show their support and pay their respects as the cortège passes.
“People are welcome to wear a hint of red in memory of Dave. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Huncoat Community Forum.”
A final note was added by Cllr Parkins’ wife Maralyn, who he followed onto Hyndburn Council in the 1990s.
“Maralyn would like to thank everyone for their love, support and kind thoughts at this difficult time,” the note reads.
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