THE devoted wife of a former Winsford councillor has paid tribute to her husband after he died after being admitted to hospital.

Former soldier Alan Bailey sat on Winsford Town Council between May 2007 and May 2011.

He was also a borough councillor, though he stepped down when Vale Royal Council were abolished in April 2009.

Alan, who was born in Northwich, suffered an aneurysm last October. He was admitted to Leighton Hospital on Tuesday, January 12 after feeling unwell. He passed away on Friday, January 15, aged 75.

Grace Bailey, Alan’s wife said: “My family and friends have been marvellous. Alan, our son, is a tower of strength. Pat, Alan’s second cousin has been an absolute brick. 

"I want to thank them for their support."

Alan was married to Grace for 52 years, and has lived in Winsford for a large part of that time.

“He was a local lad,” Grace said. “We were happy here in Winsford.”

Alan dedicated his time in his later years to helping a number of charities and community organisations, such as GGO West and the Sea Cadets.

Grace revealed her husband did miss life as a councillor.

Cllr Malcolm Gaskill, Winsford Town councillor and chairman of the Winsford Lib Dems, said Alan continued to support Lib Dem candidates whenever he could.

He said: “I first met Alan in 2005 when he asked to meet with me to seek some advice on being a councillor for the Liberal Democrats.

“With his background as a former soldier and working for Royal Mail he was clearly someone who was dedicated to serving his community.”

Malcolm said Alan intended to stand for re-election in the May 2015 elections, but was prevented due to ill health.

He said: “We shall miss him.”

Alan’s funeral will be held at Vale Royal Crematorium on February 5, from 3.15pm.

The wake will be held at The Old Star, in Winsford.