[T]RIBUTES have been paid to Jimmy Close, an alderman of Copeland Council, who has died at the age of 86.
Mr Close, who represented Frizington on Copeland Council for almost 30 years, died at Dentholme care home in Cleator Moor, in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland, has lead the tributes to Mr Close, who was the council’s ceremonial mayor in 1988/89.
Mr Starkie said: “I am very saddened today to hear of the passing of Jimmy Close, the former mayor of Copeland and distinguished councillor for Frizington.
“Jimmy dedicated his life to public service and his commitment to his ward is recognised by the fact that, to many, Jimmy was ‘Mr Frizington’.
“On a personal level, I was introduced to Jimmy by former councillor Brian Dixon, who has been such a great support and friend to Jimmy in the latter years of his life.
“It was a privilege and an honour when my own campaign to be elected mayor was endorsed and supported by Jimmy, given his own exceptional track record as a local politician.”
Lena Hogg, Copeland Council’s deputy mayor, said: “Jimmy Close served the people of Copeland with distinction, hard work, and integrity.
“Jimmy was very respected across the political divide and it was very fitting that Jimmy became the mayor of Copeland and, following his retirement from the council in 2007, he was honoured to be made an alderman of the borough he loved so much.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Mr Close was elected to Copeland in 1979 and stood down in 2007. He was made an alderman the following year.
