A RESIDENTS’ group has vowed to carry on despite the death of a long-serving founder member.

There had been fears that Rosehill Residents’ Association could fold after the death of 82-year-old secretary Paula Farrar in November.

But a new committee will be elected at a meeting later this month after members pledged to continue the group in her memory.

Councillor Jeff Sumner, who represents Rosehill, said it could take two people to replace Mrs Farrar who helped found the association 24 years ago.

He said: “At the first meeting following Paula’s death we did talk about how we would need one or two people to take her place. We knew it would be difficult but the community has rallied round.

“There has been a lot of interest, though, so continuing won’t be an issue.

“Now it’s onwards and upwards to keep on improving the area to make it better than it already is.”

Mrs Farrar, a former market trader, wool shop owner and taxi driver, died on November 12 two days after she collapsed while walking her dogs.

She hosted meetings of the residents’ association at her home in Rosehill Road and was instrumental in many projects, including the community garden by the Rose and Crown pub in Manchester Road.

Coun Sumner, who worked on projects alongside Mrs Farrar for eight years, said: “Paula’s death was an immense loss.

“She was the instigator behind most events and schemes.

“She was a fantastic lady and if the association had closed down it would have been a shame, but it will keep going in her memory.”

The group will hold its next meeting on January 21.