Former Honorary Alderman of the Borough and Merton councillor John Cole has sadly passed away.

Following a long illness, John passed away on Friday 5 December. John served as a councillor for Pollards Hill ward from 1986-90, and from 1994-2006. He was a committed ward councillor and part of his legacy was the building of the Pollards Hill estate.  As well as undertaking the role of Deputy Mayor of Merton, he also served as Chair of Governors at Sherwood School and on many of Merton Council’s committees. His public service to Merton was recognised in 2006 when he was named an Honorary Alderman of the Borough.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday 23 December at Mortlake Crematorium, Kew Meadow Path, Townmead Road, Richmond TW9 4EN at 11.20am.  Following the service a wake will be held at the New Horizon Centre, Pollards Hill from 1pm -3pm.

Instead of floral tributes, the Cole family has asked for any donations to be made to the ‘Peace and Hope Trust serving in Nicaragua’ charity.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina, said: “John will be remembered for his commitment to serving the people of Pollards Hill and Merton as a ward councillor, Deputy Mayor and Honorary Alderman of the Borough. On behalf of everyone at Merton Council, I’d like to pass on my condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.”

-ENDS-