BURY Council's most senior officer has died after a long battle against cancer.

David Burton, chief executive of the local authority for nine years, died on Good Friday aged 52.

Mr Burton had been on sick leave since last summer. He leaves a widow, Gill, and 23-year-old twin sons, Daniel and Christopher.

Council leader John Byrne said: "David's opinions were highly respected in Bury as well as throughout Greater Manchester.

"He was well liked and held in high regard, not only in local government circles but also by the local business community with whom he had forged strong links."

Tributes have also come in from the other two political parties on Bury Council.

Tory group leader David Higgin said: "It's a sad loss to the authority, which he served very well."

And Liberal Democrat leader Vic D'Albert said he had the "highest professional regard" for Mr Burton.

"He always came across as a most fair and even officer of the council in dealing with controversial political matters.

"The council will greatly miss his service and his judgement at such a difficult time."

An Oxford graduate, Mr Burton began his career with Manchester City Council in 1966 as an articled clerk and subsequently became assistant solicitor.

He transferred to the newly-created Greater Manchester County Council in 1974 as principal solicitor, becoming the acting county legal officer until that authority was abolished in 1986.

During that period Mr Burton headed the London-based Metropolitan Counties Parliamentary Unit which advised on the legislation leading up to abolition.

Shortly after that council's demise, he was appointed deputy chief executive by Bury Council and in 1988 he took over the top post from Mr James McDonald.

Dennis Taylor, who will continue as acting chief executive for the time being, offered his commiserations to the family.

He added: "I was very proud to take up the reins while David was receiving his treatment, and it is tragic that there has been such a sad conclusion to his illness."

A private funeral for close family members only will be held tomorrow in Mr Burton's home town of Middleton.

Mrs Burton has requested that a memorial service be held at Bury Town Hall for friends, councillors and colleagues. This is expected to take place within the next fortnight.

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