THE warning fell on deaf ears. But the prediction of legendary man of action Paddy Gill that a ghetto was about to be created in the heart of St Helens was to have the ring of truth about it.

Paddy's widow, Bernie, having witnessed the unloved St Thomas Square housing complex being razed to the ground, says: "How many people know how Paddy fought against the building of that complex, taking his fight to Westminster and pleading for better housing for children and the elderly alike?"

Bernie, from Walkers Lane, Sutton Manor, mentions this in a letter of thanks following the pen portrait of Paddy, supplied by my old pal Chris Barrow (this page, September 23).

Paddy was a remarkable man, cramming in

a host of civic duties and industrial responsibilities. Perhaps best remembered for his ceaseless campaign to improve safety down the mines, he also served, during various spells, as local councillor and mayor, Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire and as a magistrate.

Chris Barrow suggested that he be officially recognised as one of the district's Men of the Millennium. And to reinforce that sentiment, Bernie Gill and her proud family now point to some of the other qualities of the many-faceted Paddy.

"How many know," she asks, "that without him, the St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council might not exist?

"In 1974, Local Government reforms meant that St Helens was to be merged with Prescot and become part of Knowsley Borough.

"Paddy was so concerned that his beloved town would lose its identity that he personally petitioned the Queen on behalf of the people of St Helens, Billinge, Rainford, Newton-le-Willows, Eccleston and Bold that they should remain separate within Merseyside (if it could not be the preferred option of Lancashire) instead of becoming just a part of Liverpool."

Paddy also brought a shaft of light, understanding and reform into the treatment of mental illness during his time as chairman of Rainhill Hospital management committee.

Testimony to his effectiveness included the removal of the forbidding high walls around the hospital (opening up the view to the public) and his insistence on an end to the old 'lock-up' system in which patients were kept in cell-like conditions for long periods.

Not only did Paddy battle successfully for miners safety measures, Bernie points out, he was also a life-saver in other ways, working as an ambulance driver and as a fireman.

"He served on many committees," adds his proud widow, "giving up most of his free time without recompense."

But it wasn't all 'nose to the grindstone' for this exceptional man. He was also noted as a lively wit, a fascinating raconteur and a loving family man.

AND most certainly a prime candidate for any St Helens People of the Millennium consideration.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.