Tributes have been paid to former Wigan Council leader, mayor and freeman of the borough Bernard Coyle OBE, who died on Friday (23 February) following a short illness.
His death at the age of 81 brings to a close a distinguished political career which changed the face of Wigan over thirty years.
The former craft moulder and Wigan Rugby League scrum half was leader of the council for fifteen years before stepping down in 1991, and served as a councillor for the Scholes and Whelley areas between 1962 and 2004.
Born and bred in Wigan, Cllr Coyle was made an honorary freeman of the borough in 1988 and was awarded the OBE for his services to politics during the same year. He served as Wigan’s mayor in 1996/97.
As council leader throughout the eighties, Bernard Coyle was the driving force behind the building of the Galleries shopping centre and the refurbishment of Wigan Pier.
As the old Wigan county borough housing chairman in the 1960s, he played a key role in the dramatic transformation and redevelopment of Scholes.
Mr Coyle was well known on a wider political stage as the first ever chairman of AGMA, the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities. He was a magistrate for 25 years and a deputy lieutenant of Greater Manchester.
Current council leader Peter Smith said:
“Bernard was a proud Wiganer who fought hard for the transformation of our borough and played a key role in the town's revival.
“His most significant achievements were the building of the Galleries shopping centre and establishing our independent waste authority, saving millions of pounds for local residents.
“He was a successful leader of the council for fifteen often difficult years and handled the problems of reduced government funding for councils like Wigan calmly and effectively, taking his colleagues with him.
“He was also leading the Greater Manchester authorities when the old metropolitan council was abolished in 1986, and ensured that joint services were maintained for the county. This helped to lay the foundation for the current resurgence of the Manchester city region. “
Cllr Coyle leaves three children, Patricia, Bernard and Susan, and six grandchildren. His wife Elsie died last year. His funeral takes place at St Mary’s RC Church, Standishgate, on Friday 2nd March at 12.05pm.
Note to editors
Further information: Wigan Council’s press office, 01942 827164.
