South Tyneside key workers set to be given Freedom of the Borough after chiefs approve honour
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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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Hide AdThe award will be considered as a collective honour for everyone playing a key role in keeping South Tyneside safe and ensuring essential services continue to run during the coronavirus crisis.
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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Hide Ad“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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Hide AdCouncil 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.