Tributes as ex-mayor dies

Tributes have been paid to Margaret Procopides, who served on Fylde Council for almost a quarter of a century and spent time as its deputy leader.

Ms Procopides, from St Annes, also founded Lytham’s Beta Business College after working as a secretary at St Annes College for Girls for a number of years.

Coun Sue Fazackerley, who now serves as Conservative deputy leader of the council, first met Ms Procopides while a schoolgirl.

She said: “She was on the staff at my school and then I came across her again when she came canvassing when I was living in Orchard Road.

“It was a great surprise to see her, and some years later I stood myself for the same ward.

“Although she was not a member of my political party we always had a very good working relationship.”

Ms Procopides was first elected as a Ratepayer for Central ward, in St Annes, in 1979.

She served as Mayor in 1999-2000, supporting a number of different good causes across south Fylde.

Coun Fazackerley added: “She was committed to representing the people of her ward and was an able debater.

“She was well respected and a lovely lady with a very acute sense of humour.

“She was a popular person who will be a sad loss.”

Ms Procopides lived on Church Road, St Annes,for many years but had moved into the New Thursby care home, on Clifton Drive North, around six weeks before her death.

She passed away on Tuesday, July 22 and her funeral was held at Lytham Crematorium yesterday.

A minute’s silence was also held in her memory at the full meeting of Fylde council on Monday.