Statement of Sympathy from the Mayor, Alderman Stephen Martin

October 18, 2021

The Mayor said "I am saddened to learn that former Mayor William (Billy) Bleakes has passed away.   First elected to Lisburn Borough Council in 1977 he served as Mayor of Lisburn in 1988-9 and led the Borough through the aftermath of the Lisburn Half Marathon bombing.  A former member of the 1982-86 Northern Ireland Assembly, Billy served on Council until 2001 after which his dedication to our community saw him give of his time to support many local organisations not least as a Director of Shopmobility Lisburn.

"We are grateful for our former Mayor’s long service & contribution to civic life here in Lisburn.

"On behalf of Joanna, myself & the Elected Members of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, we send our sincerest condolences to former Mayoress Sadie Bleakes on the loss of her husband.  Our thoughts are also with his extended family circle at this sad time."