Alderman honour for eminent service
Former councillor Fran Wilson is to become Maidstone Borough Council’s first ever Honorary Alderman.
The move was supported by representatives of all political colours.
The post is entirely ceremonial but can be awarded to anyone who has given “eminent service” to the council.
Mrs Wilson served as a Lib Dem councillor for 22 years, was leader of the Lib Dem group from 2007 to 2018; and leader of the council twice: firstly in 2007-2008 and again from 2015 to 2018.
During that time she had also served on every council committee and had been chairman of most.
The alderman suggestion came from Cllr Fay Gooch (Ind) who said Mrs Wilson was “a consummate politician and a great strategic thinker.”
Support was unanimous. in Essex stating the Dartford Bridge was closed.
Whilst this was true what they didn’t mention was that the flow in one of the two tunnels had been reversed to southbound for vehicles that would normally cross the bridge. I really do have the utmost sympathy for those who undertook a massive and unnecessary detour to the Blackwall Tunnel to get across the river. There was no need to mention Dartford Bridge being closed at all, surely it was obvious to anybody with an ounce of common sense what confusion this would cause? Highways England really need to be held accountable for this monumental blunder and somebody needs to lose their job but I won’t hold my breath.
Steve Ford
Willington Street, Maidstone