Pendle News Room

John was first elected onto Pendle Council in 1986. He served the Old Laund Booth (Fence) ward as a borough councillor for 28 years until his retirement in 2014 due to ill health.

He was Mayor of Pendle in 1992/3, Leader of the Council between 2008 and 2010 and Deputy Leader at various other times.

He was closely involved and an influential figure in many aspects of the Council’s work and services. As the portfolio holder for Environmental Services he was instrumental in setting up Pendle’s recycling scheme.

He was a leading figure on the Barrowford and Western Parishes Committee but was well known all across the borough.

John was a longstanding board member of Pendle Leisure Trust and an avid supporter of its arts, cultural and recreational services, reflecting his own interests as a musician playing with local orchestras, together with his wife Judith.

He also represented the Council on organisations including Citizens Advice Bureau, Heritage Trust for the North West, Mid-Pennine Arts Association, and the Reuben Burton Education Foundation.

And he was Chair of the Governors at Nelson and Colne College and Pendle Vale College.

John chaired Pendle Partnership from 2008-2010 and was a board member of PEARL from 2012 -2014, the joint venture company established between Pendle Council and Barnfield Investment Properties Ltd,  which is currently transforming Brierfield Mill into Northlight – a new living, working, learning, leisure and cultural destination for Lancashire.

He was a great supporter of Pendle’s twinning links with Creil and Marl, visiting the two towns and hosting visitors on numerous occasions.

John was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Pendle in May 2015. This is the highest honour a council can bestow and is given only to ‘persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Borough’.

Philip Mousdale, Corporate Director, said: “Councillors and staff of Pendle Council were saddened to hear of the death of John David.

“With his great personal charm and sound business approach he was well-respected and worked tirelessly for many years to make sure Pendle got a good deal.

“We offer our sincere condolences to John’s family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.”

Nelson Town Hall’s flag will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect until John’s funeral.