Shock at sudden death of council’s ‘fearless fighter who cared’
TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘passionate’ and ‘fiery’ councillor who served Tameside for almost 30 years.
Cath Piddington, who represented Ashton Waterloo, is understood to have passed away at home on Saturday.
Friends and colleagues described her as a ‘real champion’ and ‘true Tameside legend.’
Council bosses announced her death in a statement.
It read: “It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Councillor Catherine Piddington (Ashton Waterloo) yesterday.
“Cath came onto Tameside council in 1990 and for over a quarter of a century was a vocal advocate for the people and community she represented.
“In her time as a local councillor, Cath served in a number of roles including a period in the executive cabinet, holding the environment portfolio. “In that role, and as also as a member of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority, she drove forward the changes to infrastructure and attitudes that ensured the amount of waste sent to landfill was minimised and the amount recycled maximised. “While those changes were not always popular in the short term, her work as a champion of the green agenda and recycling is a long term legacy Cath leaves for future generations of Tameside and Greater Manchester. “In the year we celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage we should remember that Cath became a senior councillor at a relatively young age, and was a member of Tameside’s first ever executive cabinet back in the early 2000s. “Tameside and Ashton Waterloo have lost a real champion, and Cath’s colleagues on the council have lost a great friend. “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Cath’s family and friends.” Oliver Ryan
Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner said: “I am extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Coun Cath Piddington, who represented Waterloo ward in my constituency. Cath was a straighttalking person who resolutely and passionately represented the residents of Waterloo on Tameside council.
“You always knew where you stood with Cath.
“My deepest condolences to Cath’s family and many friends. RIP, Cath Piddington.”
Oliver Ryan, councillor for Audenshaw, posted on Facebook: “Very upsetting. Caring, passionate and fiery, but always a fighter for fairness.
“Cath will always be a true Tameside legend.
“Group, council and Tameside life won’t be the same without her.
“She committed her life to serving Ashton and the borough and we will always remember her.”
Lynn Travis, who stepped down from Tameside council earlier this year, remembered her ‘dear friend and colleague.’
She said: “Today we have lost one of our special people – a great local councillor who always had Ashton and Waterloo at the heart of what she did.
“She was a fearless fighter for justice, local people and every- thing she believed in. RIP Cath Piddington my friend and colleague. She will be missed.”
Tameside council said the flag at Dukinfield town hall would remain lowered until the day of Coun Piddington’s funeral as a mark of respect.
Messages of condolence can be sent to communications @tameside.gov.uk.