Walsall Council’s flag has been flying at half mast in remembrance of my very good friend and former Mayor and Cllr Arthur Bentley who passed away last week.

I first met Arthur when I joined the Liberal Party back in 1976. We spent many happy hours over the years discussing politics, listening to his stories about the sea as we went around Willenhall North delivering our Focus Newsletters

Arthur was first elected in May 1982 as Liberal Democrat Councillor for Willenhall North a seat he held until his retirement in May 2007. He became Walsall’s first Liberal Democrat Mayor in 2003 and was the instigator of the annual “Dora Awards” to recognise all the good work that is done by ordinary folk across the Borough in their local communities.

Arthur had a life time of public service beginning with Walsall’s famous “Blue Buses” back in the days when Council’s ran their own bus services. During the Second World War Arthur served in the Royal Navy.

Before becoming a Councillor Arthur studied at the Open University and became a college lecturer. In total over 60 years of public service. My condolences go to his two daughters Jan and Stephanie and their families.

R I P Arthur my friend you were a thoroughly nice man.