Express & Star

Funeral date set for ex-mayor of Sandwell Bill Archer

Scores of people are expected to turn out for the funeral of a former mayor.

Published

Crowds are set to gather at St Bartholomew’s Church in Wednesbury on Saturday for the funeral of former Sandwell mayor and Wednesbury councillor Bill Archer. The funeral is open to the public.

Mr Archer, who died aged 91 on June 2, was affectionately known as ‘Mr Wednesbury’.

During his 36-year career he served as a Tory councillor ans was Sandwell mayor between 2005 and 2006, retiring in 2010, aged 83.

A book of condolences is currently open at Wednesbury Library where many have left messages.

Wednesbury North councillor Peter Hughes took to social media to urge people to sign the book and paid tribute to the late Mr Archer.

He said: “He was a great man who was only happy when he was helping the people of Wednesbury. Rest in peace Bill you will be greatly missed."

Earlier this month his daughter, Councillor Elaine Costigan, paid tribute to her father who she described as an 'inspiration'.