Date arranged for funeral of ex-mayor

THE funeral and memorial service for a former Lord Mayor of Birmingham will take place in May.

Councillor Ray Hassall died suddenly this month aged 74.

His funeral will take place on Friday, May 12 at 12.30pm at Aston Parish Church, followed by a wake at Alexander Stadium.

There will also be a civic memorial service at St Philips Cathedral on Monday, May 15.

The funeral has been delayed to enable his only living relatives, based in Canada, to attend. It also ensures the by-election to choose his successor in Perry Barr ward, due to take place on May 4, will be finished.

Lib Dem colleague Cllr Jon Hunt said his party petitioned for the by-election to coincide with the mayoral election.

He said: “This has the advantage of ensuring no by-election campaign is hanging over Ray’s laying to rest – and also of saving at least £20,000 in public money through being held the same day as the Mayor election.

“I know Ray would not want that vacancy to remain unfilled. He had intended to retire next year and put much thought into finding and mentoring potential successors. We intend to protect the legacy of all the hard work he put into Perry Barr over 30 years.

“An extended by-election contest would have the effect of paralysing business in the ward.”