Tributes paid to well-known councillor who served Rothwell and Kettering

Alan Mills in charge for the first year reading the charter at Rowell Charter Fair in 2015

Tributes have been paid to a councillor who represented his town as well as being a member of the borough council.

Cllr Alan Mills, who was elected to Rothwell Town Council in 2007 and to Kettering Council in 2011, died this week.

Cllr Mills was very well known in Rothwell where he lived, especially for his dedication to the community and his involvement in the town’s annual Rowell Fair.

But he was also known for his love of music and being part of the band Coast to Coast, which is best known for its 1981 Top 10 hit in the UK with “(Do) The Hucklebuck”.

Peter Weston, chairman of the Rothwell Labour party, has paid tribute to Cllr Mills.

He said: “Alan was first elected as a Labour councillor to Rothwell Town Council in 2007 and then to the Kettering Borough Council in 2011.

“He was very much a community councillor, willing to take up issues on behalf of all the Rothwell residents.

“In the borough and town council elections in 2015 his manifesto set out what the community spirit in Rothwell really meant to him.

Alan Mills at Rowell Charter Fair last year

“He fought long and hard to try and secure the school crossing patrol in Rushton Road.

“When the public toilets in Rothwell were under the threat of closure Alan was prepared to lead by example by cleaning, locking and unlocking them each day.

“Just a couple of examples that Alan did for the Rothwell community.

“There are many more examples, too numerous to mention.

“Rothwell Labour Party members were proud when Alan was appointed as Town Bailiff to the Lord of the Manor of Rothwell, a role he carried out with dignity and Alan will be sadly missed by all of his many friends in the Rothwell Labour party, but remembered by his sensible words and often humorous contributions to our meetings.

“Our sincere condolences to Karen and all the family.”

Cllr Ash Davies, Conservative councillor for Brambleside, Kettering, tweeted about Cllr Mills and said: “Saddened to hear about the passing of my colleague Cllr Alan Mills. He will be missed.”

And a tweet from Steven Hickey ‏said: “RIP #Alanmills. Saw the #hucklebucks live quite a few times in the village pub.”