TRIBUTES have been paid to an "old school gentleman" and former prisoner-of-war who acquired one of Swansea's most recognisable buildings.

Stanley Bollom died in the early hours of yesterday at Swansea's Ty Olwen Hospice, where he was a long-standing trustee. He was 92.

In 1936 he acquired a lease for Mumbles Pier, along with the Pier Hotel and the famous penny slot attractions.

The pier is owned to this day by the Bollom family firm, Ameco.

Mumbles community council chairman Brian Arthur said Mr Bollom had worked hard to build up the pier and very much wanted to secure its future. Plans have recently been submitted to rebuild it, along with a new all-weather lifeboat station.

"His legacy could be a new pier that will be there for many years to come," said Mr Arthur, adding: "He was an old school gentleman."

Former Mumbles Lifeboat operations manager, Captain Roy Griffiths, said: "I knew him very well. He always fair and a straight man to deal with.

"He was good for the lifeboat service in Mumbles."

Mr Griffiths, MBE, added: "He was a good all-round chap. He would always have a chat."

Born in London's East End in 1918, Mr Bollom had a long career in the leisure industry and was close early compatriot of Charles Forte, who went on to create the Trust House Forte hotel group. The pair remained close friends for many years. He had business interests throughout the UK but was best known in these parts for the pier.

Family man Mr Bollom, of Higher Lane, Langland, fought hard to retain the old Mumbles train, which ran from its terminus near today's LC to the pier, and even petitioned the House of Lords in 1958 to try to stop the service closing.

His service during the Second World War was short-lived.

Among the first hundred British Expeditionary Force (BEF) troops captured in Belgium by invading German forces, Mr Bollom spent six years in prisoner-of-war camps.

Stalwart

It was at one of these that he met his first wife, Wanda, a Polish labour worker. She died in 1991.

Amusements stalwart Mr Bollom was involved in several charities and was a driving force in the Variety Club of Great Britain for many years. He was created life president of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions, which represents attractions such as Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds and Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

His son, John, is currently half way through a two-year term as chairman of the association. He is survived by his wife Margot, John, two daughters, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Newton councillor Miles Thomas said: "He would always be in his office by 8.30am, until quite recently."

Mumbles man Tony Cottle added: "He promoted Mumbles all round the world."

richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk