It was with great sadness that I read about the death of Billy Beff in last week's Warrington Guardian.

In the 30 years that I have lived in Warrington, I had known Billy for about 20 years. He was a really nice bloke, but I don't think he got the hang of looking after himself since the death of his mother several years ago.

It was reported in your paper he had hygiene problems, but he did make an extra effort now and again when going out on train/bus or plane spotting trips. Myself and many other rail enthusiasts on Bank Quay station would always buy that extra cup of tea or soup for Billy, knowing that the compliment would never be returned, but, as his cousin said, Billy never said thanks but accepted the drinks graciously, but nobody seemed to mind.

It was no wonder that people from Social Services were unable to help him because he was never at home, he was always out at either the airport, rail or bus stations up to seven days a week and in all weather. He lived for his hobby.

I have spoken to several people who knew Billy, and everybody has said the same, that they knew nothing about the squalor he was living in. Billy was such a private person he told nobody about his situation. Maybe he was too proud a man to ask for any kind of help. Billy may have been ignored by the people who should have been helping him, but he will certainly not be forgotten by the many transport enthusiasts that knew him. The south end of Bank Quay station will never be the same without him. God bless you Billy, rest in peace.

Steven Wainwright On behalf of all the transport enthusiasts who knew him