TRIBUTES poured in for a Fylde businessman who created hundreds of jobs, built many Fylde homes, helped transform the town of Kirkham and built up Ribby Hall Leisure Village.

Builder and entrepreneur William Harrison, known affectionately as Bill, died on Tuesday (August 3)of a heart attack in hospital aged 77.

Dowbridge housing development, Marton Mere Caravan Park, Kirkham's Kirkgate Shopping and Conference Centre, Progress Mill business park and Wrea Green's Ribby Hall Leisure Park are among his most prominent achievements in a building career spanning 43 years.

He also had links in the highest echelons of the Conservative party, hosting ministerial visits including former Premier Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.

Hull-born Mr Harrison came to Kirkham in 1956 with his wife Glen, buying the Jubilee Stores in Dowbridge. Two years later he built a small property there, the first of many under the sign of his firm W and G Harrison (named after Bill and Glen).

The 93-acre Marton Mere Holiday Village - recently sold to Bourne Leisure - grew out of derelict land he bought from Blackpool Council in 1970, while Progress Mill was transformed from a disused factory to a small business haven in the 1980s.

Ribby Hall Leisure Park, which he acquired five years ago and ran in partnership with his son Paul, was his latest proud achievement, transforming it into an award-winning holiday village employing 250 people.

Kirkham councillor Peter Sowden said: "We'll all miss him. He had a lot of vision. He was a businessman and he was making his living at it - but he didn't put profit first all the time.

"He gave consideration to the effect of what he was doing on other people and the surroundings. We've a lot to be grateful to him for."

Fellow councillor John Bennett said: "Bill did a lot for Kirkham. He was magnanimous in his gifts for the town and he provided a lot of employment - we're all very sad."

Mr Harrison was a 40-year member of Kirkham and Fylde Rotary Club and gave lavishly to charities.

As a tribute, his family - wife Glen, daughters Janet and Sylvia, son Paul and nine grandchildren - are carrying on with his plan to open their gardens at Greyfriars, Walker Lane, Fulwood, to the public from 2-5pm this Sunday (August 8) in aid of charity under the National Gardens Scheme.

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