Tributes after death of ‘tireless’ public servant
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Rossendale councillor and Honorary Alderman who ‘never stopped’ working for his community.
Michael McShea passed away at his Newchurch Road home after a short illness, surrounded by his family on Friday, May 11. He was 74.
As a Labour councillor, Michael represented Stacksteads ward on Rossendale Borough Council for 14 years between 1992 and 2006 and he was made Honorary Alderman in 2008. He had previously worked in Rossen- dale council’s highways department - their flag is being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.
A lifelong member of Unison and councillor for Stacksteads ward, Michael also served as a Justice of the Peace and a Magistrate.
Michael has left a legacy in Stacksteads - he is credited with spearheading projects including the creation of the Peace Gardens and the Stacksteads Countryside Park Group.
Coun Christine Lamb, a former colleague and family friend of 30 years, said that Michael’s death was a big loss to the community.
She said: “As a col- league, he was such a hard worker and he devoted his life to public service.
“As a friend, I’ll miss him dearly, and our family will too. He was truly a man of the people.”
Michael’s daughter Rachel Bargh, who lives on Carr Lane in Cowpe, paid tribute to her ‘wonderful’ father.
She said: “No matter what party, if someone rang the house, he would always help them.
“He was very family orientated. He loved his four grandchildren - that was a real passion for him when he retired.
“He was a loving father to me and Sean and a wonderful husband to my mum Sheila. He was a big person and always had a lovely smile.
“The legacy he has left gives us comfort - he was a wonderful man and everyone you speak to says the same.”
Michael leaves his wife Sheila and his sister Mary, his son Sean and daughter Rachel, and his grandchildren Caitlin, Cairan, Daniel and Declan.
A Requiem Mass will be held at St Joseph and St Peter’s RC Church, Chapel Street, Newchurch on Friday, May 25 at midday.
This will be followed by interment in Bacup cemetery at 1pm.
A TEENAGER was recognised at the Young Citizen of the Year awards for her work in her community and for charity.
Ruby Farrell, 13, has raised over £1,000 so far for charities including the Rossendale Hospice and the Royal British Legion and is the young ambassador for the Helmshore branch.
She received a ‘Highly Commended’ award from the Chief Constable of Lancashire Police at Lancashire Partnership Against Crime Young Citizen of the Year awards.
Ruby, of Jubilee Road, Haslingden, has been fundraising ever since she began attending coffee mornings in Haslingden with her greatgrandmother and her grandparents.
Sadly, her greatgrandmother, Margaret Tomlinson, passed away but Ruby continues to fundraise in her memory.
Ruby is the daughter of Georgina and Martin Farrell. Georgina, 41, said she is proud of the sporty Haslingden High pupil, who is a keen swimmer and runner.
She said: “She’s just got such a nice personality and wants to raise money for people. I am very proud of her - she’s never given up and I think it’s something she will do for the rest of her life.”