South Tyneside's front-line heroes could be given prestigious Freedom of the Borough civic award

NHS staff, carers and key workers who have been on the frontline of the pandemic could be recognised with the Freedom of the Borough - the highest civic award granted in South Tyneside.

The rare honour has only been awarded to 10 people or organisations since 1981.

If approved by the council, key workers will join fellow recipients, The Rt Hon Lord Don Dixon P.C.D.L, The Citizens of Wuppertal and 205 (3rd Durham Voluntary Artillery) Battery Royal Artillery volunteers and South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade.

The Honorary Freedom of the Borough will be considered for everyone who is playing a key role in keeping the public safe and ensuring essential services continue to run during the outbreak of Covid-19.

This will include NHS, care staff and other key workers such as GPs, pharmacists, emergency services, refuse collectors, cleaners, delivery drivers, supermarket and contact centre employees.

Council members have started the process for the honour to be considered and it will be discussed at the next cabinet meeting on Wednesday, May 20.

Leaders will consider whether to endorse the proposal that those who live and care for people in South Tyneside should receive the award.

If they support the proposal it will then be considered at a meeting of the Constitution Committee who, if also in favour, will make a formal recommendation to a future Extraordinary meeting of the council.

Councillor Ed Malcolm, lead member for resources and innovation and the council’s Armed Forces champion said: “Being granted the Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour to be bestowed on any individual or organisation.

“The selfless individuals who have served in the NHS, our Care teams and all other Key Workers are a credit to the Borough, and it is fitting that they be considered for Freedom of the Borough.

“Our local heroes have been on the frontline of the war against coronavirus and we owe it to them that there is a lasting tribute.”

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