It is with great sadness to announce that Cllr Tony Brown passed away over the weekend.



Cllr Brown had been the Conservative ward councillor for Warbreck

Councillor Tony Brown was born in a mining town in Nottinghamshire before moving to Blackpool in 1948. After leaving Tyldesley Secondary school he eventually joined the Royal Artillery serving in Germany and Hong Kong.

Tony has worked for the Atomic Energy Authority at Salwick and was self-employed for many years. His last business venture before retiring was to buy a bankrupt hotel with his wife Angela which they quickly turned into a successful business.

He was elected to represent Greenlands and Warbreck wards on Lancashire County Council in 1989 and was on the Lancashire Valuations Tribunal for several years. Tony has represented Warbreck ward on Blackpool Council since 2000.

He was honoured to have been asked to deputise for Councillor Peter Callow during the previous mayoral year last year.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: "I am shocked and saddened to hear of Cllr Brown's sudden passing.

"He was a longstanding servant of the people of Warbreck, having previously served on Lancashire County Council, prior to his election to Blackpool Council some 16 years ago.

"My thoughts, and those of the Council, are with his widow, Angela, and the rest of his family at this very difficult time."

Cllr Tony Williams, Leader of the Conservative group on Blackpool Council, added: "Tony Brown was a hard working and respected councillor on Warbreck ward.

"His passing is not only a sad loss for the residents he represented but also a tragic blow to the Conservative group on Blackpool Council.

"His fellow councillors recognised and enjoyed his wealth of experience and he was a friend to all. He will be sadly missed.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loving wife Angela and to their family."

The town hall flag is flying at half-mast today.

A by-election will be held in due course.