JONATHAN Williams – Middlewich’s clerk of 34 years – has died whilst on holiday, the town council has announced.

In a statement published on Facebook tonight, September 11, Middlewich Town Council said: “It is with deep regret that we announce that Jonathan Williams, our town clerk, has passed away whilst on holiday.

“Jonathan was our clerk since August 1985, and for many he was synonymous with the town council.

“His knowledge and experience has proved invaluable for many generations of councillors and council staff, and his passion for Middlewich, its heritage and its events will leave a huge gap that we will struggle to fill.”

Next Monday’s town council meeting has been cancelled out of respect.

Cllr David Latham, who sits as an independent on Middlewich Town Council, said: "Our love and thoughts are with the family of Jonathan Williams our former town clerk at this sad time.

"Words can't express the gratitude I have for this guy in helping me to be as effective a councillor as I could be in my first four years with the town council.

"His knowledge of his joband the town was second to none.

"His door was always open and he always had a encouraging or informative word on all matters except football!

"The loss of this man for our town is a huge blow as he was Middlewich to the core and served the council all his working life.

"I've not just lost a council leader but a very good friend. RIP mate."