Labour councillor for Carnforth passes away, aged 70

Coun Gardner was in his third term as a Lancaster city councillor, having served previously (at first for Carnforth and later for Carnforth & Millhead) 2003-07 and 2011-15 before topping the poll at May’s elections.

He was a former chair of Personnel.

He also was a Carnforth town councillor and previous town mayor.

Before retiring, Coun Gardner was a full-time officer of the Royal College of Nursing.

He served on the board of North Lancashire Citizens Advice.

He was secretary of the Co-operative Party Fylde and Lancaster Branch.

Coun Gardner’s late wife Janette also served on Carnforth Town Council. He leaves his son Ben.

He died on December 16 in the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

Paying tribute, Lancaster mayor Coun Roger Dennison said: “It is with great sadness that we heard of the recent sad passing of Councillor Paul Gardner.

“Paul was a dedicated and hard-working councillor for eight years (from May 2003-7 and May 2011-15) and continued to be so having been re-elected in May this year.

“He worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents in the Carnforth and Millhead area of the district and his loss will be felt by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.

“My sincere condolences on behalf of Lancaster City Council go to all of his friends and family at this sad time.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced once they are known.