CREWE has lost a champion with the sudden death of veteran watchdog and memory man, Frank Culley.

Tributes have been easy to find for the man dubbed 'Mr Public' by some of the borough councillors he has helped, harried and harassed whilst keeping an eye on the changing face of the town.

His wide-ranging interests, some of them passions, meant he had his finger on the pulse of the community. History, travel, health, planning, local industry and social problems were amongst his favourite hobby-horses.

He raised issues with borough, county, national and euro-politicians and was in regular contact and correspondence with local MP Gwyneth Dunwoody.

"Every town needs a Frank Culley," said council leader Peter Kent who recalled seeing the lively pensioner at least once a week, either in the public gallery at council meetings where he was sometimes its only occupant, in the library or just walking around the town observing.

One of the first Rolls-Royce workers at Crewe, Mr Culley retained an interest in the works and its development after retiring in 1979. He was an expert on its history as well as that of the town and its buildings.

Sadly one of his last R-R projects has come to fruition just as he died. A plaque to commemorate 17 workers killed in the bombing of the factory in 1940 was unveiled just before Christmas and he was hoping to view it with a few colleagues later this month.

Mr Culley was found dead in bed at his Gainsborough Road home at the weekend by a relative.

At the time of going to press the result of a post mortem was not known.

"He had not been too well lately, and had some heart problems, but he had remained as alert and active as ever. His death was a shock, but it would have been how he would have wanted to go," said his daughter Mrs Elizabeth Cooper who lives in Sussex.

Mrs Cooper and her family, with her sister, Rosemary Culley from Sale, will lead the family mourners at the funeral on Monday (January 22) at Christ Church.

The service will begin at 1.30pm and will be conducted by the Rev Bill Foss.

Mr Culley was married at the church. He and his wife were divorced in 1972.

His daughters were hoping he could be buried in a family plot in the church yard at Brereton.

"But we have been told there is no room and are having to re-think the arrangements," said Mrs Cooper.

Floral tributes will be welcomed but donations can also be made to go to the St John Ambulance which Mr Culley served for many years.

Council leader Mr Kent described Mr Culley as a man who "gave no thought to his own position, but believed genuinely in the concept of a community and its welfare. He would never let go of a cause.

"He didn't shrink from airing criticisms of the borough council, but it was never destructive and he always sought to understand our position - that made his comments carry a lot of weight. He would probably think any politician's tribute is a bit suspect, but I genuinely admired him, and fear we may not see his like again," said Cllr Kent.

Mr Culley's passion for the town's past and its finest buildings made him one of the leading lights in its Historical Society.

Secretary Peter Ollerhead has described him as 'an archetypal education workingman' and 'a life-long learner'.

"With his passing the town and its organisations will be much poorer. His memory was phenomenal, with instant recall of past events colouring his ability to make relevant points on contemporary issues.

"His example to us is of one who always made time for corporate life. I, for one, will miss him greatly," he said.