Book of condolence opens to remember former Peterborough councillor Charles Swift

A book of condolence has opened to allow people to remember former councillor Charles Swift.

Mr Swift, who was the longest serving councillor in the country when he stepped down in 2016, died aged 92 earlier this week after a battle with cancer.

Tributes have been pouring in for him since the news was announced yesterday, with politicians remembering the huge impact Mr Swift made during his 62 years as a councillor.

Today Peterborough City Council have opened a book of condolence for people to sign to remember Mr Swift.

The book will be able to sign between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Leader of the council, Wayne Fitzgerald, has already said there are plans for a long lasting tribute to Mr Swift in honour of the work he put in on the council over the years.

He said; “Charles' contribution to the community in Peterborough and more widely was exceptional - he cared so much for our city and always went out of his way to help people.

"He will be greatly missed by so many, not least those members and officers who were lucky enough to serve with him on the council. We will be considering how we can create a lasting memory of Charles in our city."

Funeral details have yet to be announced, but his family have said Mr Swift’s wishes were not to have a Cathedral service, but instead to have the funeral at the Salvation Army.