NICK Cottle – a ‘dedicated and distinguished’ Glastonbury councillor – has passed away at the age of 68.
Cllr Cottle, who represented the St Edmund’s ward from 2007 until becoming a member of the unitary authority, also served on the town council and was a former mayor of Glastonbury and deputy chair of Mendip District Council.
The Liberal Democrat member had a keen interest in history and collecting cigarette cards and old coins.
“Cllr Cottle served his community with dedication and distinction for many years,” Somerset Council said. “He was first elected as a Liberal Democrat Member for the Glastonbury St Edmund’s Ward at Mendip District Council in May 2007, returning to serve again from May 2011 until the council’s transition to Somerset Council, where he continued as a unitary councillor until his death.”
In May 2020, he represented the council at the Queen’s Garden Party, and in recent years served as chair of the authority’s Planning Committee East.
Shortly before he passed away, Cllr Cottle had returned from a much-anticipated trip to Canada.
“Nick will be remembered for his warmth, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his constituents and colleagues,” the council added. “He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working with him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Bill Revans, said: “Nick was a positive man and colourful character who tried to see the good in all and advocated passionately for and with the residents of Glastonbury.
“He cared about his special communities and would go out of his way to help anyone. Honest and open; he took a genuine interest in people from all walks of life.
“As a Somerset Councillor he took on the role as chair of the Planning Committee East with a unique style, always looking to give people a fair say so that their voices were heard.
“His unexpected passing will be a huge loss to Glastonbury community and to the whole of Somerset. Nick will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
Flags at council buildings across Somerset were lowered today (August 12) and will be flown at half-mast on the day of his funeral, with the date to be confirmed. A minute’s silence and tributes will also be part of the next Full Council Meeting, set for September 25 at 1pm.
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Glastonbury Town Council is set to hold a Full Council Meeting tonight (August 12), with Cllr Liz Leyshon set to be in attendance. A letter of condolence to Cllr Cottle’s family has been written on behalf of Somerset Council.
A spokesperson from the town council said Cllr Cottle had “devoted himself wholeheartedly to serving the people of Glastonbury and St Edmund’s Ward” for 25 years, since he was first elected as a councillor in May 1999.
“His dedication was evident in the many community projects he was involved with, including Glastonbury in Bloom, his work as a trustee of St Edmund’s Community Hall, and his valued contributions to the Property & Assets, Finance, and Youth Committees during his quarter of a century on Glastonbury Town Council and as Mayor in 2004,” they went on.
“Outside of his contributions to the town council, Nick played a very active part in Glastonbury life, and many will have fond memories of him.
“Nick will be remembered not only for his tireless commitment to the town but also for his warmth, integrity, and the genuine care he showed to all those he worked with. His loss will be felt deeply by fellow councillors, colleagues, and the many residents whose lives he touched.”
The Town Hall flag will be lowered to half-mast today (August 12) and will remain so until the day after his funeral, the authority said.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed,” they added.
Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury & Somerton, also paid tribute to Cllr Cottle, saying: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cllr Nick Cottle. I had the privilege of serving alongside Nick during my time at Somerset Council, and I will always remember his warmth, good humour, and absolute dedication to the people of Glastonbury and Somerset.
“Nick worked tirelessly for his community, always putting the needs of residents first and ensuring their voices were heard. His kindness, integrity, and commitment to public service set an example to us all. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him at this very difficult time.”
I am so very sorry and deeply shocked to hear this sad news.
During our shared time together on Mendip District Council, I grew very fond of Nick.
As a newcomer, I remember how kind, thoughtful, and encouraging he was to me—always ready with a friendly word or a bit of guidance. His loss will be felt not only by his family, but also by the community he served with such passion and commitment, as well as by the many friends and colleagues who valued him.
This news is such a terrible blow and another reminder of just how precious—and sometimes fragile—life truly is.
RIP Nick – they dony make them like you anymore.