Public line street to say last farewell to Skegness' Deputy Mayor

The death of much-respected Coun Jim Carpenter, 71, shocked the community in January.

Today (Tuesday) the funeral procession passed by the Stagecoach bus station in Richmond Drive, where Coun Carpenter had worked, so colleagues could also pay their last respects.

Former councillor John Byford was among the crowd at the bus station, where the railings were adorned with flowers donated by local supermarkets.

Mr Byford said: "This afternoon, people gathered at the bus station to say their final farewells to a true gentleman and Skegness ambassador, Coun. Jim Carpenter.

"It was so nice to see councillors alongside past town representatives, including the former Town Clerk, all paying their respects to this wonderful man.

"Stagecoach staff - you did him proud!"

Mayor of Skegness Coun Mark Dannatt, who was also present, said: "It was a very sad day. Deputy Mayor Coun Carpenter was a true gentleman.

"He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues, both at Skegness Town Council and Stagecoach.

"Everyone who knew Coun Carpenter knows how hard he worked for Skegness."

Matt Cranwell, managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We will always remember Jim, who was a great man and a much loved member of the Stagecoach family.

“We were pleased to be involved in such a lovely send off for Jim. Our staff proudly lined the bus concourse and Bus Station Road to say goodbye to Jim and we were pleased to dedicate three buses with destination boards set with Jim’s name. It was a fitting tribute for a very special man.”

Coun Carpenter joined Skegness Town Council in 2007 and became Mayor in 2013. He was still employed by Stagecoach buses, who ran a special coach promoting the Mayor's charities during his time in office.

At the time of his death, he was in his second term as Deputy Mayor after the Mayor-making ceremony last year was postponed due to the pandemic.