Former mayor dies after 25 years of service

A former Walsall mayor who served the borough for 25 years has died, the council has said.

Dennis Anson was first elected in May 1991 as councillor for the Pleck ward and remained in office until his retirement in May 2016. He was mayor of the borough in 2012-13.

The current mayor, Louise Harrison, said she was "deeply saddened" to hear of Mr Anson's death.

"Dennis was a true gentleman who served our borough with dignity and kindness," she said.

"He gave his time generously to the community and always placed people at the heart of everything he did. He will be remembered for his integrity and unwavering commitment to others. My heartfelt condolences go to his family and loved ones at this difficult time."

Council leader Mike Bird said Mr Hanson was a "community man through and through".

"He was a loyal and long-standing leader in Walsall's politics and his contribution to the council and the borough was significant," he said.

"Our sincere gratitude to him for his service and our condolences to his family and friends at this time."

Mr Anson was known for his fundraising work, and dedicated his mayoral year to supporting Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, a cause close to his heart.

The council said donations were being accepted to Blood Cancer UK in Mr Anson's memory.

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