WALLY Ashcroft, a respected member of St Helens Conservative party and a larger-than-life character, has died aged 84.

Wally, from Windle, was a former councillor for the area, serving more than 12 years. He was a former leader of the Tory party in the borough and an ex-St Helens Council cabinet member.

He died on Sunday, May 5 in Whiston Hospital following a bout of low blood pressure which had periodically affected the granddad-of-five in the previous six months.

Wally, who became well known as the owner of Pet’s Emporium, leaves behind wife Nancy and three children.

Nancy, 79, said: “Wally has been poorly for about six months on and off and had collapsed at our home on Saturday from low blood pressure.

“We went to Whiston Hospital and was laughing and joking with everyone, but we got the call on Sunday from the hospital asking for us to come in. By the time the family got there he had already gone.”

Paying tribute to her husband, with whom she would have celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary next year, Nancy added: “Wally was a very humorous man with great character and was always very kind. We all miss him.”

His daughter-in-law Mandy Ashcroft, 52, added: “Family always came first and his grandchildren all doted on him. He is missed by us all but we cherish our memories with him.”

St Helens Conservative leader Allan Jones added: “It is very sad. He is a man that I admired a lot. He was really good when he was part of the running of the council (when the Conservatives and Lib Dems were in control). He will be missed by everybody.

“He was just a superb man.”

A St Helens Council spokesperson said: “The council is saddened to hear about the death of Wally Ashcroft, who served as a councillor for the Windle ward between 2000-2012.

“As a mark of respect, the council will fly the St Helens Borough flag at half-mast above the town hall on the day of the funeral and our thoughts go out to his family at this sad time.”

Meanwhile, Labour councillor for Windle, David Baines, added his condolences: “I am deeply sorry to hear that Wally Ashcroft has passed away.

He was a committed councillor who served Windle for 12 years between 2000 and 2012, and he is still talked of fondly by residents who appreciated his hard work, warm personality and caring nature.

"He was always courteous and kind to me, and as news is spreading locally the word I am hearing lots of people using to describe him is ‘gentleman’. It’s appropriate.

"In recent years I know he enjoyed playing a leading role in Windle Parish Council and at Bleak Hill Primary School, and the school and Parish community will miss him greatly.

"My thoughts and deepest condolences go to Nancy and all who knew him.”