Middleton lights up in memory of beloved council officer Lauren Mason

Monday, 1 December 2025 21:27

By David Murphy

A specially commissioned Christmas light has been installed outside Middleton Library in tribute to popular local council officer Lauren Mason, who died suddenly last November.

The illumination, shaped in the style of a high heel, honours Lauren’s trademark footwear and her long-standing contribution to the town she served for over 15 years.

Lauren worked as the Middleton township officer at Rochdale Borough Council, where she was responsible for organising key events including the town’s Christmas lights switch-on, Remembrance Sunday commemorations and emergency responses.

Her colleagues say she was instrumental in the council’s reaction to the Boxing Day floods ten years ago, when she gave up her own Christmas holiday to help coordinate support. She was also described as modest, highly committed and deeply proud of her work.

The tribute was installed by Christmas Plus, the council’s festive lighting contractor, and has been placed outside Middleton Library, one of the town’s central landmarks.

In a statement, Rochdale Borough Council said Lauren had been a “shining star” during her time with the authority and described her as “an irreplaceable ambassador for Middleton”.

Lauren was well known in the community, where she lived and worked. Her role involved day-to-day liaison with local groups and councillors, but she was also at the heart of major civic projects.

Council staff said she always stepped in when needed, no matter the scale or time of year. While she never sought praise, her efforts made a lasting impact.

The tribute light will remain in place throughout the Christmas period. Council leaders say it is a small but heartfelt gesture to reflect Lauren’s legacy in the community she was so proud to serve.

They added: “Our thoughts are with Lauren’s family, friends and all who knew her this Christmas.”