Former mayor such a popular figure

Frank Heap when he was Mayor of Oldham

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Oldham Mayor Frank Heap, who has died at the age of 88.

Mr Heap died on Thursday after falling seriously ill over Christmas. He was a councillor for the Coldhurst ward for 16 years, having been selected as a Labour candidate in March, 1979. He served as Mayor in 1994-1995.

The telephone engineer and former Royal Navy sarviceman was the secretary of the Coldhurst branch of the Labour party for several years.

Mr Heap was known for his community work, having chaired Clarkwell Tenants’ Association, he was chairman of governors at both Grange and Richmond Street schools, as well as being the only male member of the Westwood and Coldhurst Women’s Association.

He ran a residents association on Ramsden Street, Ramsden Close and Ramsden Crescent.

He was married to Mary and had three children.

Current Oldham Mayor, Councillor John Hudson, said: “I am extremely saddened to hear about the death of Frank. On behalf of Oldham Council and the people of the borough I offer my sincere condolences to his family.”

Mr Heap’s funeral will be held on Thursday. A church service at St Aidan and Oswald’s, Royton (10am) will be followed by interment at Royton Cemetery (11.30am).