Tributes pour in to former Sefton pub manager Matty Williams

Matty Williams, manager at the town centre Sefton Arms for more than 20 years, sadly died on Wednesday, May 3, following a battle with illness.

Matty was a well-known figure in the town and was at the reins at the Baldwin Street pub for 22 years.

Under Matty's tenure, the Sefton was often a feature in the Good Beer Guide and was renowned for its real ale offerings and has been a popular venue in the town centre's drinking scene.

Last year the Sefton was also recognised by the Best Bar None programme, which rewards businesses that are providing a high standard of service and safety for its customers.

Matty, who was a dad-of-three, was also an organiser the Westfield Street Music Festival, which brought a jamboree of live music to St Helens town centre venues in recent years.

He was also a chairman of the St Helens Pub Watch scheme.

Matty (third, from right) after the Sefton was accredited in the Best Bar None programme (Image: St Helens Council)

Jeanie Bell, a senior councillor, who has been a cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, paid her tribute to Matty.

She said: "Matty was a lovely person who put so much work into helping raise the standards of our bars and pubs in St Helens, a key partner in our work to achieve Purple Flag status, achieving Best Bar None status and a part of Pub Watch, Matty was always keen to be involved in any new initiative and help drive forward improvements.

"His work on the Westfield Street Festival was really incredible and it brought so much fun and enjoyment to the town.

"Matty is going to be missed greatly. My heart goes out to his family, friends and all who loved him."

Meanwhile, Star readers have also paid their respects.

Lawrence John Jones said: "A really sad day. Matty was just a good man, I would walk in and have a moan and he would laugh and say get one down you.

"Then he would be a hundred miles an hour round the pub doing whatever needed doing. I remember Matty taking the pub and can honestly say he made the grand old pub of St Helens his. RIP my friend and thank you for everything.

"Deepest sympathies to the family."

Matty (third, from right) in a promotional shoot for WestFest in 2015 (Image: St Helens Star)

John Price added: "R.I.P. Matty... I was shocked to hear about your passing, you were a polite and lovely man as well as a true rock at the sefton with expert management skills that you passed down through to your staff members...

"Deep respect from myself and I'm sure everyone who knew you or worked under your supervision... Thinking of your family at this time, sleep well my friend."

Readers on social media have also paid their tributes.

Ann Pigott wrote: "RIP Matty such sad news.

"The Sefton will not be the same without you around will be so missed." 

Ann-marie Moss added: "Me and my two sisters used to go once a week for lunch and catch up he was so welcoming as where the staff wondered where he was so sad".

The Sefton (Image: St Helens Star)

Catherine Collins said: "Sefton won't be the same without you. Great boss to work for. Thinking of the family."

Jackie Pursell wrote: "So very very sad to hear the news about Matty, such a lovely guy. Condolences to his family and friends..RIP Matty."