He sadly lost his battle against bowel cancer at Bolton Hospice on December 27. An Astley Bridge resident for 40 years, 76-year-old Cllr Wild was first elected to Bolton Council in 2011 and was liked and respected by his colleagues in all parties. In a touching tribute to Cllr Wild, the council have raised the flag at Bolton Town Hall to half-mast. Bolton Council said: Our flag is flying at half-mast to pay tribute to Cllr Paul Wild who sadly passed away on Sunday. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Cllr Wild lost his wife Christine in February this year, who he described as his soulmate and was also a councillor, died suddenly.