Valued council employee loses cancer battle

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 25 August 2006

Philip Allen (51), a Bury man born and bred, finally lost his battle against cancer and passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday 14 August.  He leaves a widow, Susan.

Philip was fiercely proud of his Bury roots and was always ready to sing the praises of his home town, its people and its history.  On a personal level he was a keen sports fan and this, combined with his local interest, led him to become a lifelong Shakers fan. 

Aside from his family, however, Philip's greatest commitment throughout his life was as a public servant working for the people of Bury.  He progressed through several jobs at the Council over a period of 32 years, culminating in his appointment as Executive Director of Environment and Development Services.  Throughout his career his goal was always to improve the lives of people here in Bury.

Mark Sanders, the Council's Chief Executive paid tribute to Philip saying: "The news of Philip's death has cast a shadow over colleagues and members alike.  He was an extremely popular and well respected officer and our condolences are with his wife Susan, his mother and his extended family. 

Whilst there are a great many achievements too numerous to mention, the greatest tribute I can pay to Philip is to recognise a lasting and visual legacy he leaves behind in our magnificent parks and gardens.  With the support of the council, he steered through a programme of major improvements, and now 5 years later, we have 10 green flag parks, which everyone can enjoy for years to come. 

His personal vision has transformed the way our green space is used and has brought back civic pride in our local environment. 

"We will all remember Philip for his dedication and enthusiasm, but above all for the difference he made to Bury."