Tributes paid to Councillor Ann Metcalfe

Ann Metcalfe at the Mayor's Charity Ball in 2009

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Tributes have been paid to Councillor Ann Metcalfe today following her death this morning (22 February 2013). Born in 1945, she lived in Norden all her life and was a Conservative Councillor for Norden ward since May 2004.

Ashley Dearnley, Leader of Conservative Group said today: “Obviously it’s very sad. Ann was an excellent member of Rochdale Council and always put the interests of Rochdale first. Indeed at the last council meeting she attended she spoke of the need to work together to improve our borough. She will be sadly missed by us all and our deepest sympathies go to her family.”

Colin Lambert, Leader of the Council said: “Ann was one of those councillors who knew why she was on the council and represented her constituents well. I have known Ann since we were both in teaching, we didn’t always agree, but we had mutual respect for each others views. She will be sadly missed on the council and in her own family of course.”

Andy Kelly, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group said: “I was very saddened to hear of this tragic loss and it’s seems to have happened very quickly, very sudden. Ann was a very hard working councillor for the people of Norden. I spoke to Ashley Dearnley this morning to pass on my condolences to her family and colleagues.”

Jim Gartside, Conservative councillor for Norden alongside Ann and Mayor of Rochdale said: “Sad, oh it’s very sad and very sad for her partner Alan too because they did a lot together. She was a great support to me and really fantastic to have as a councillor in the same ward. It has been a delight to work with her. Everybody liked and respected Ann.”

Simon Danczuk MP said: “I am saddened to hear of the death of Ann Metcalfe. She had been a councillor in Norden for almost a decade and was very popular. Ann was a true congenial spirit and always conducted herself with great dignity. You could never fall out with Ann and she had a real civilising influence on local politics. She’ll be sorely missed and my thoughts go out to her family.” 

Jim Dobbin MP said: “Ann Metcalfe was a personal friend of mine although we were of different political parties. She was always very honest and supportive and an excellent local councillor. She will be sadly missed.”

As a Councillor, Ann Metcalfe fought against the original Scout Moor wind farm development, a campaign which she began prior to standing as a Councillor. She said in 2006 that her involvement with ‘The Friends of Scout and Knowl Moor’ was the beginnings of her political career because: “It was at this time that I was asked to stand as a Conservative for election. I felt to even be asked was very much an honour and a compliment.”

Ann served as Vice-Chairwoman on Rochdale Council’s Employment Committee she also served on the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, Rochdale Township Action and Resources Committee, Rochdale Township Committee and the Standards Committee.
Ann’s appointments to outside bodies included Norden Community Primary School, North West Local Authorities Employers Organisation, Redwood School, Whittaker Moss Primary and Nursery.

Ann retired from the Rochdale Boroughwide Housing Ltd board in 2006 after serving for two years and was on the board of Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale from 2004 to 2011.

Ann is survived by her daughters, Emma and Sarah and her partner Alan.