A former Wigan councillor and alderman described as a 'tireless public servant' has died
Tributes have been paid after the death of a former councillor and alderman known as “Mr Schools”.
Brian Wilson spent 22 years as a Labour member of Wigan Council, having first been elected to the old Tyldesley East ward in 1986 and then representing Astley and Mosley Common until 2008.
He was chairman of the education committee between 1992 and 1997 and was a member of the life-long learning panel, which later became children and young people’s services.
He was a member of a number of other council committees during his political career and was a local authority drainage engineer by profession.
After losing his seat, he was appointed as an honorary alderman in July 2009, a title given to former councillors to recognise their service and to reflect the esteem of the community.
Leigh and Atherton MP Jo Platt, who was a councillor for the Astley and Mosley Common ward from 2012 to 2017, paid tribute to Mr Wilson in a Facebook post.
She wrote: “I am deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of alderman and former councillor Brian Wilson.
“When I first got involved with the local party, Brian’s experience in local government and his calm, common‑sense approach made him a real mentor to me. He was someone you could always rely on for honest advice and steady guidance.
“Brian dedicated so much of his life to serving Tyldesley, Astley, Mosley Common and the wider borough.
“He will be missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.”
She added: “My thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Others remembered Mr Wilson in responses to her Facebook post.
Pat Morgan wrote: “He was indeed a lovely guy. He did much for education in Wigan. RIP and God bless Brian.”
Astley and Tyldesley Cycling Club wrote: “That's very sad news Jo. Brian was a great help with setting up the Astley and Tyldesley cycle speedway track at Gin Pit and most supportive once the club was up and running. RIP Brian.”
Council leader Coun David Molyneux said: “We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Brian Wilson.
“He first became a councillor in 1986 and was made an honorary alderman in 2009; a well-deserved recognition.
“As a committee member and chair across many of the council’s vital services, cabinet champion for children and young people, his work in the community – as a ward councillor and school governor – he will be remembered for his years of dedicated service to the council and the wider community.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
A Facebook post by Astley’s current councillors said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of alderman and former councillor Brian Wilson, a tireless public servant of Astley, Tyldesley and the wider borough.
“Brian dedicated much of his life to public service and in recognition of this, he was conferred the title of honorary alderman of Wigan on July 15, 2009, a mark of distinction for his commitment to the community and local government.
“He will be remembered with great respect and gratitude by all who had the privilege of working with him.”
A funeral for Mr Wilson will be held at noon on Tuesday, February 10 at Howe Bridge Crematorium.