TRIBUTES were paid at Wednesday's Bury council meeting to Councillor Bill Johnson, who is stepping down after 44 years.
The man known as "Mr Tottington" received praise from all sides, including the public gallery, for his unbroken record of service. He was twice Mayor of Bury, and served two terms as chairman of the former Tottington Urban District Council. He has been made an MBE.
The Mayor, Coun Wilf Davison, said: "Councillor Johnson has set an excellent example of dedicated and conscientious public service that we should strive to follow. Both Coun and Mrs Johnson are very well-known, highly regarded and held with fond affection."
Council leader John Byrne highlighted his hard work in twinning, saying he was an enthusiastic supporter of Bury wherever he has been.
And Tory leader Roy Walker said: "One person can make all the difference, and that person is you. I hope this council will honour you when you have retired in a way that's appropriate to your 44 years of selfless service to this borough."
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