Tributes have poured in for a popular community campaigner described as a "true gentleman".
Tony McGann, from Vauxhall who was in his 80s, died this week. In 2021, Mr McGann told the ECHO he had been suffering from cancer. The campaigner was the galvanising force behind the formation of the Eldonian housing association, which was formed in the early 1980s when the city was slumped in the depths of recession.
It saw a new village – Eldonian Village – built on the site of the old Tate & Lyle refinery in Vauxhall. The area was transformed to include family homes, bungalows, disabled accommodation, a nursing home, a sports centre, health centre, bowling green, nursery and a village hall.
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Mr McGann was awarded the freedom of the city back in 2017, and the Eldonian community based housing association was added to the city’s freedom roll of association. Tributes have flooded in for Mr McGann following the news of his death.
Paying tribute, former mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: "So sad to hear of the passing of one of my hero’s Tony McGann. A man who fought the establishment and won. A champion and voice for the North of Liverpool. In his life he made a difference proud to give him Freedom of the City of Liverpool. RIP Tony."
Writing on Twitter, another person said: "I'm very sad to hear the news of Tony McGann's death. I first met him in the 80s when he led the fight against @lpoolcouncil to establish the Eldonian Village. Over 30 years later the same city council awarded him the Freedom of the City. Rest in Peace ,Tony. You made your mark."
People also paid tribute to Mr McGann on local Facebook group the Scottie Road Community. One person said: "Sad news. Great man did so much for the for the community."
Another person added: "Rest in Peace Tony. Deepest sympathy to all the family. Thanks for everything you did for the community and my dad too. A great man." Paying tribute, a third person said: "Without Tony, and others. The community, would have been no more. I remember the meetings in the Little Club. We have lots to thank them for. Thank you Mr McGann."
A fourth person said: "Rest in peace Tony. Deepest sympathy to the family. You went over and beyond to help and keep all the Burly families together. You've truly earned your place in heaven with your beloved wife Joan. R..I.P Tony."
Another person also added: "Rest in peace Tony, a true gentleman and great family friend." Dozens more people paid tribute to Mr McGann and sent their condolences to his family.
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