A FORMER mayor and town councillor who was ‘invaluable’ to the community has died.

Fred Gleaves died peacefully at home in Seathwaite Close, Millom on September 3.

The 73-year-old was a beloved husband of Jane, loving father of Karen and Heather, grandad of Skye, Oliver, Layla and Abigail, respected councillor, postman and friend to many.

Mr Gleaves served on Millom Town Council and Copeland Borough Council for a number of years.

A spokesman for Millom Town Council said: “We would like to express their condolences to the family of the late Fred Gleaves on this sad day.

“Fred was a much-respected town councillor and ex-mayor of Millom Council as well as a Copeland Borough councillor.

“Fred did his utmost to help parishioners with any concerns that they may have had.”

Fee Wilson, a fellow conservative councillor on Millom Town Council and Copeland Borough Councillor, had known Mr Gleaves since he was a young boy.

She described the late councillor as a ‘real gentle soul’ who would do anything for the Millom community.

She said: “Fred was a true Millom lad. He was very well known in the community and a vital part of the conservative party in Copeland. He was very well respected.

“Fred was one of those thoughtful people who was interested in what people had to say.

“Although he has been poorly in the last few years, if he could get up and travel to Whitehaven, he would – he still had the courage to go.

“Freddie was a real gentle soul. He was a good political friend and ally and people liked Freddie.

“He was a lovely lad and very well thought of. He was invaluable to the Millom community.

“People could always go and talk to him and he would get issues sorted.”