TRIBUTES have flooded in following the tragic news that Cefn stalwart Ken Bathers has died.

Cllr Bathers, 74, who lived on Hill Street, Cefn Mawr, died on Thursday morning following an illness, was the Chair of Cefn Community Council and was its longest serving member, having been involved for more than 30 years

Cllr Derek Wright said him and his wife had been a family friend of Ken’s for many years and that news of his death had come as quite a shock.

He said: “I will miss Ken very much as we have been family friends for many years, our deepest sympathy and condolences goes out to Jean and the family.

“Ken was well known throughout the area due to his many volunteering activities he carried out, including being School Governor at both Ysgol Rhiwabon and Rhosymedre.

“He was very forward thinking he did everything he could for the people of Cefn area he represented, such as his part in bringing Tesco to the village, the Solar Farm at the Delph and the Telecom mast on the George Edwards Hall, all of which has brought significant annual income into our community, which are the envy of other Community Council areas in the County Borough.”

Cllr Bathers had many interests that he enjoyed, including fishing and was President of The Llangollen Maelor Angling Club and had been since the both clubs merged.

Cllr Wright added: “The highlight of Ken’s angling year was his part in organising and staging the European Team Grayling Championships held along large stretches of the River Dee from Corwen to Cefn, attracting teams from all over the Continent.”

Cllr Bathers was a very strong Labour Party member and supporter, also a Trade Unionist holding many positions in the then T&GWU at Monsanto where he worked for many years.

Ken Skates, AM who worked with Cllr Bathers and Cllr Wright on trying to establish a much needed health centre for the people of Cefn said he was a proud Labour man and was proud of the area he worked so hard for.

He said: “I knew him for many years and admired him greatly, and I was proud to work alongside him on a number of local issues such as the campaign for a new health centre for Cefn.

“Ken seemed to know everyone and was extremely well thought of locally. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his many friends in the Labour Party and by the wider community in Cefn.”

Susan Elan Jones MP, said: “I was very sad to hear of the passing of Cefn Community Council Chair and Clwyd South Labour member, Ken Bathers. Ken was a proud Cefn-ite who was dedicated to serving the local community. I will always remember his dedicated work as a school governor. Ken believed passionately that we should have high quality local schools and communities, councils and governments which invest in our children and young people. My thoughts and prayers are with Jean, other family members and Ken’s many friends at this difficult time.”

Funeral arrangements for Cllr Bathers are yet to be announced.