Conservative Councillor Pat Ball has died. Councillor Ball, who was elected twice in Southport's Dukes Ward, resigned in September because of ill health. She had been excused duties within the Council for a year prior to her resignation.



Fellow Dukes Ward Councillor Tony Dawson served alongside Councillor Ball for several years. He said:

Pat Ball was completely devoted to the needs of the ward and was not particularly party political at all. She defeated me in the election the year before I was voted in but this never soured our relationship. She was happy to work with and be photographed with councillors across Party lines which upset some people but Pat never cared.

Pat was a very well-rounded person, being far better known as the former proprietor of the Shelborne Hotel and through her amateur dramatic activity. My last memory of her was a happy one, watching the Liverpool game on TV in her lounge with family members.

Our sympathies must go out to Pat's husband and family who have worked so hard to care for her during the past couple of years.