By Jenny Barwise

Published at 10:53, Saturday, 15 September 2012

FIVE veteran councillors look set to be recognised for their services to Allerdale and be made honorary aldermen.

Distinguished service: From left, Jack Fryer, Mercia Haughan, Jim Hully, Joe Milburn and Joan Minto

Serving councillors will be asked next week to agree to the prestigious titles being given to Jack Fryer, Mercia Haughan, Jim Hully, Joe Milburn and Joan Minto.

If two thirds of the borough’s councillors vote in favour of the recommendation on Wednesday night, the five will be honoured in a special ceremony following the full council meeting.

Sharon Sewell, the council’s governance and audit manager, said that the title is given to those who have rendered eminent services to the council, as past members.

It is a mark of respect, with the holders having no formal role in the borough, although they may take part in some civic ceremonies.

Jack Fryer served on the old Workington Council as well as the new Allerdale authority for 29 years. He was the mayor of the borough in 1993 to 1994. Mr Fryer’s son, Mark, is a current serving labour councillor.

He held the position of executive member for economic regeneration during his latter years on the council.

Mercia Haughan served as a Workington Town Councillor between 1982 and 1987 and then on Allerdale Council from 1988 to 1992.

She has also been involved in many community groups in the borough, including helping towards the restoration of St Michael’s Church following the fire in 1994 and being a founder member of West Cumbria Trades Hall Centre.

Jim Hully served as a councillor for 16 years between 1979 to 1987 and 1991 to 1999.

He was mayor in 1995 to 1996.

Joe Milburn was leader of the council in 2007. He served as a councillor for 20 years during which time he was a member of the executive for six years.

And Joan Minto represented Moorclose on the borough council for a total of 31 years between 1975 and 2007, during which time she was mayor in 1991 to 1992.

Allerdale’s full council meet on Wednesday at 7pm in the Wave Centre at Maryport. The vote for honorary aldermen will be taken after the meeting.

JBarwise@cngroup.co.uk

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk