Knutsford town councillor Barbara Hamilton Coan has died

Barbara was first elected to the town council in May 2008, representing Over ward for seven years before not seeking re-election in 2015.

After a four-year break, Barbara returned to the council in May 2019 as a councillor for Bexton ward.

Barbara was elected deputy town mayor in 2012 and served as town mayor 2013-14.

Speaking on her election as town mayor in 2013, Barbara said there was 'no greater honour than to be elected mayor of the town in which I was born and the town which made me'.

As town mayor, Barbara raised funds for the Knutsford Lions and Cheshire Search and Rescue, at the time setting as new record for the mayor’s charity fundraising.

During her year in office Barbara was impressed by a neighbouring town appointing a mayoral cadet and oversaw the introduction of the Knutsford mayor’s cadet.

During her time at the council, Barbara oversaw the creation of the events and town centre management committee, of which she was the inaugural chairman and through which she was instrumental in establishing the annual Town Awards scheme in 2013. Since returning to the council in 2019, Barbara served as chairman of the personnel committee.

Cllr Stewart Gardiner, town mayor, said “It is very sad to lose a colleague.

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"Barbara was incredibly hard working and thorough in her duties as a councillor and a very good past mayor.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”

The Knutsford flag will be flown at half mast at the council offices.