Quit - man who put village on the map

GOING - Royce Franklin

Royce Franklin, the driving force behind Diggle Community Association, will tell them tomorrow he is quitting.

A Saddleworth parish councillor, Mr Franklin (72), initiated the community association two years ago.

In addition, his ambition was to launch a band contest in the village.

He said: “It is with a sense of pride that I know both have been achieved. The initial flyer, distributed to every household in the village, referred to putting Diggle on the map.

“And, with the contact with other villages, I believe this has been achieved. Diggle is no longer out on a limb because of the absence of an association. It is now very much an integral part of Saddleworth.”

He went on: “My reason for resigning is purely one of time. I am involved in many things and I am in danger of over-committing myself and doing nothing well as a consequence.

“ I need to look at what I have to offer elsewhere — but just as importantly to enjoy my retirement.

“I have been thrilled by the response from residents to the association and I know I am leaving the association in the hands of people who have Diggle very much at heart.”

In addition to his role as a parish councillor for Dobcross and Diggle, Mr Franklin will continue as chairman of the Saddleworth Homewatch, a topic of particular interest after more than 50 years working in the criminal justice system.

Mr Franklin said: “I have told members of the (community association’s) executive I shall work hard to brief my successor.

“Work I have undertaken in the past two years has increased quite considerably. I need the space to develop other tasks.

“I hope it has been seen that I have already had some impact, however slight, on the well-being of Diggle and its residents since the association started.

“I need to give more time to the parish council.”

A source close to the association said: “Councillor Franklin’s resignation will come as a shock. It is a big loss. He was the driving force behind the association.”

Association chairman Nigel Shaw, said: “Royce has made a significant contribution to the DCA and will be sadly missed from the executive committee.

“We are currently reviewing options for his replacement, and wish Royce all the very best with his ‘none-DCA’ endeavours. We will, or course, continue to work closely with him in his capacities of Homewatch co-ordinator and parish councillor.”

Earlier this year, the association’s first chairman, Peter Blundell, quit after accusing the executive of being ‘wimps’ because they would not back other clubs and associations needing help.

Councillor Franklin has just been appointed a trustee of the National Patient Participation Group which is likely to involve an increasing commitment on a national basis.

He has been an inaugural member and vice-chair of the Saddleworth Patient Participation Group since its inception in February, 2006.

In addition, he has been compiler of the group’s newsletter which has an ever- increasing circulation throughout Saddleworth.

“I am also a member of a group looking at future provision for the Health Service in Saddleworth and Lees and other work with the Health Service.”