Tributes as 'devoted' ex-mayor Mike dies

TRIBUTES have been paid to a councillor and former Mayor who was a 'devoted family man' and 'always went above and beyond the call of public service'.

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Former Community First Whitworth Councillor, Mike Royds from Whitworth passed away from bowel cancer on May 10 at Springhill Hospice in Rochdale, aged 69.

He passed away just seven weeks after being diagnosed with the illness.

Mike was the Mayor of Whitworth between 2023 and 2024 with his wife of more than 50 years, Glen serving by his side as Mayoress.

His daughter, Wendy, said: "He was a lovely person and a huge Rochdale fan. When he and mum met at 14 it was just love at first sight and he was a devoted family man."

Mike was first elected to Whitworth Town Council in 2021.

He was then elected onto Rossendale Borough Council in May 2023 and again in 2024 with an increase majority.

Mike was also Vice Chairman of the Burnley and Pendle Area Committee of LALC and in 2022 he was elected onto the Lancashire Association of Local Councils Executive Committee based in Preston.

He triumphed in bringing Whitworth Pool and Leisure Centre back into the ownership of Whitworth Town Council and working in partnership with the trustees of ELC.