TRIBUTE has been paid to former Craven District Council chairman Peter Willey, who has died aged 73.

Born in Bradford, Mr Willey was a councillor for 28 years, representing Skipton's east ward first on the urban district council, and then Craven District Council.

"I remember Peter as a good worker for the ward as well as the considerable work he did on behalf of the council," said Coun Ken Hart, Craven's current chairman.

He added: "He was a man who spoke his mind and did not particularly let party politics get in his way. Even after he left the council, he continued to be involved in local issues.

"His contributions to public life in Skipton - the town he loved so much - and Craven generally have been and will be sorely missed. His family can take consolation from his considerable contribution to public life."

Educated at St Bede's Grammar School, Bradford, Mr Willey began his working life with a manufacturer in the city, and, when operations ceased at the start of the Second World War, he moved to Skipton-based Ings Manufacturing Company.

In 1942, at the age of 18, he was conscripted into the army, and served with the 27th Lancers (Tanks), seeing action in Palestine, Tobruk and Italy.

He returned to Skipton in 1946, and went back to the Ings Manufacturing Company. He later moved to Rycroft and Hartley Limited, and became secretary of the Skipton Weavers' Association in 1954. It was a position he held for 33 years until retiring in 1986.

Mr Willey was also president of the Amalgamated Weavers' Association for a number of years, and was a member of the Industrial Tribunal at Leeds for 25 years. He served on various bodies, including the employment and youth employment committees.

He was elected to the urban district council in 1969, and Craven District Council on re-organisation in 1974. He was twice chairman - in 1972-73 for the urban authority, and 1975-76 for Craven.

Mr Willey enjoyed his work as both secretary of the weavers' association and as a councillor, and worked hard for local weavers and electors.

He died last Wednesday, and a funeral service will be held at Christ Church, Skipton, today (Friday) at 10.30am, prior to cremation at Oakworth. He is survived by his wife, Elsie - the couple celebrated their golden wedding last year - and a son, David.

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