TRIBUTES have been paid to former councillor Bessie Griffin who died yesterday (Sunday May 11).

A former Labour councillor for Billinge Bessie also spent time as an Independent before joining the Lib Dems.

She served as a councillor from 1986 to 2008 holding several positions including deputy chair of Trading Services and was a member of the Licensing Committee and Adults’ Social Care.

She was also on the board of Red Bank.

Carole Hudson chief executive at St Helens Council said: “Bessie was a very hard working member of the council totally committed to her ward and constituents. On behalf of St Helens Council I would like to convey our sincere condolences to her family at this very sad time.”

Her funeral will be held at 11.30am on Monday, May 19 at Bispham Methodist Church, opposite the old Billinge Hospital site followed by cremation at 12.30pm St Helens Crematorium.