'A hard-working kind man' - Tributes paid to long-serving Yorkshire councillor
Tributes have been paid to long-serving Calderdale councillor David Kirton, who has passed away.
Ward colleagues remembered Coun Kirton as a hard-working councillor who always put his Hipperholme and Lightcliffe ward first.
Coun George Robinson said: “He had unwavering pride in the Hipperholme and Lightcliffe ward, and was a kind man.
“He will be remembered as an incredibly hard-working colleague to both Councillor Joe Atkinson and myself, and he always put this ward first.”
Coun Kirton was first elected to serve residents of Hipperholme and Lightcliffe ward – which includes Bailiff Bridge, Hove Edge, Norwood Green and Shibden – in 2000, and re-elected each time since.
During his quarter century of service, Coun Kirton held Cabinet posts, as member for Regeneration and Development, and Public Health.
He had a keen interest in planning, including a period as Chair of the council’s Planning Committee, and he was a member of the current planning committee.
Coun Kirton also represented Calderdale on the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services Board.
Locally, he was involved with many community groups within the ward.
Coun Robinson said when Coun Kirton entered politics in 2000, he was employed as a senior contracts manager for one of the largest housing companies in the country.
Coun Robinson said: “He will be sorely missed by all.
“Our thoughts go out to David’s family in this difficult time.”
Residents in the community and representatives of other political parties have also expressed their condolences, including Calder Valley MP Josh Fenton-Glynn.
Coun Kirton’s funeral will take place on February 19 at St Matthew’s Church in Lightcliffe.