TRIBUTES have been paid by friends to a property developer who died at his home in Cliviger.

Steven Potts, 53, of Hollins Farm, is believed to have been found dead at his home on Tuesday.

The father-of-two was married to Carolyn, head-teacher at Roughlee Primary School, and had daughters, Rachel and Emma.

Marcus Dibble, assistant manager of The Ram, Cliviger, paid tribute to Mr Potts who was a regular customer. He said: “We will all be raising a pint of John Smith’s to him tonight.

“All of the team at The Ram would like to send our cond-olences to Steven’s family at this time. He was very popular and well-liked here.”

Mr Potts is well-known as the driving force behind a number of developments in the Burnley area, including the construction of the Annerley Fold estate in Worsthorne and homes at the former Marsden Hospital.

He also drew up plans for a £750,000 golf academy and driving range between Red Lees Road and the River Brun, on land formerly owned by his wife’s family. It never reached fruition.

He also clashed with the authorities, including the Forestry Commission, in 2003 when he was taken to task over the removal of four 100-year-old oak trees. But Mr Potts said one tree was diseased and another was damaged.

A date for his funeral is still to be set. For more details contact Alderson and Horan Funeral Services on 01282 427483.