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Tributes paid to much-loved Northop councillor Mel Higham

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a much-loved county councillor and bowls executive who has died.

Cllr Mel Higham, of Sychdyn, had been receiving treatment for cancer for the past year and died at Glan Clwyd Hospital on Sunday morning.

Deputy leader of Flintshire County Council, Cllr Tony Sharps, who had known Cllr Higham for more than 50 years, said: “I would like to pay tribute to a man who was not only a work colleague but also a close friend.

“Mel became ill with cancer many months ago and I have seen my friend battle valiantly against this cruel disease, always positive, always cheerful – an example to us all.

“I will miss him dreadfully and my thoughts and prayers will be for his family and friends, especially his wife Bev and lovely daughter Vanessa.”

Cllr Higham, who represented the Northop ward, was Flintshire County Council’s executive member for regeneration and tourism and also served on Northop Community Council.

Leader of the county council, Cllr Arnold Woolley, said: “Mel undertook his duties with pride and enthusiasm.

“He was determined to make a difference for the people of Flintshire.

“It is extremely sad he will not be able to continue this valuable work.”

County council chairman, Cllr Colin Legg, said: “Mel Higham’s untimely death is a tremendous loss not only to his dear wife Beverley and his daughter Vanessa but also to the county council.

“It is a personal loss because Mel was a kind and understanding friend who never intruded into one’s privacy but was always there when needed.

“The courageous way he bore his illness and so cheerfully and successfully hid it from all but the keenest observer is an example for us all.

“He was a loyal champion and wise counsellor and it is no exaggeration to say that I would not have achieved my present position without his gentle encouragement”

As well as serving on the council, Cllr Higham had been chief executive of the Welsh Crown Green Bowling Association until February this year when he gave up the role because of his illness.

Last year’s president of the association, Dave Walker, said: “Mel transformed Welsh crown green bowling into what it is today.

“He’s done a lot for the sport and was also well respected and very popular.

“He will be missed as a figurehead for the sport but also as a very good friend to almost everyone involved in Welsh crown green bowls.”

Cllr Dennis Hutchinson, who had known Cllr Higham all his life, said: “He was a smashing bloke who will be missed not just in the communities of Northop and Sychdyn but in the wider area particularly in the work with his sport, bowls.”

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