South Tyneside key workers set to be given Freedom of the Borough after chiefs approve honour

Council bosses have backed proposals to honour key workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic with the prestigious ‘Freedom of the Borough’.
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The honour is the highest civic award granted in South Tyneside and has only been awarded to 10 people or organisations since 1981.

This week, South Tyneside Council’s ruling cabinet agreed the next steps for the lasting tribute to key workers across the borough.

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Roles range from NHS and care staff to key workers such as GPs, pharmacists, emergency services, refuse collectors, cleaners, delivery drivers, teachers and workers in contact centres and supermarkets.

Proposals will now be considered at a meeting of the council’s Constitution Committee, and if approved, a formal recommendation will be made to a future meeting of full council.

Lead Member for Resources and Innovation and Chair of South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum, Coun Ed Malcolm, outlined the proposals at a cabinet meeting on May 20.

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“The ongoing coronavirus has brought unprecedented challenges threatening all of our lives and livelihoods,” he said.

“Throughout all this, key workers engaged in a wide range of roles and sectors have individually and collectively played critical roles in keeping us safe, supporting our communities, protecting the most vulnerable and enabling us to play our part in stemming the spread of the virus.

“In doing so, they have directly and indirectly saved countless lives and minimised pain and hardship for countless more.

“Therefore, in my opinion it’s only right that we recognise their collective heroism, their dedication and for some workers and their families, their sacrifice for us.”

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Council leader, Iain Malcolm, said the Freedom of the Borough would be a recognition of “key workers across the systems coming together.”

He added the Constitution Committee, when it meets, would have to give “careful consideration” to an appropriate ceremony which should involve as many of the public as possible.

Under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, borough councils may admit as Honorary Freemen of the Borough ‘persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the borough’.

Previous recipients have included The Rt Hon Lord Don Dixon P.C.D.L, The Citizens of Wuppertal and 205 (3rd Durham Voluntary Artillery) Battery Royal Artillery volunteers, the Rt Hon Dr David Clark MP and South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade.

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