Council gives its top honour to ex-leaders
HONORARY freedom of the borough status has been bestowed on former Halton Borough Council leaders Cllr Dave Cargill and Cllr Tony McDermott.
A spokeswoman for the local authority said it was the highest honour the council can give.
She said that by Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, a borough or city council may admit ‘persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the city or borough’, as Honorary Freeman.
The award of the honorary freedom of the borough does not carry with it any legal rights or responsibilities, other than a ceremonial role at civic functions.
The award dates back to the Middle Ages, when freemen had commercial privileges and a route into a position of power in a town or city.
Cllr Cargill became a member of Halton Council in 1977 and has held positions such as vice chaiman, chairman, deputy leader, leader and was mayor of Halton during 1989-90. The first chairman of the Cheshire ● Police And Crime Panel from 2012 to 2014, Cllr Cargill is the council’s serving executive board member for community safety.
He is also a member of the Liverpool City Region, with duties relating to the European Investment Structural Fund.
During his six years as leader of the council from 1993 to 1999, one of Cllr Cargill’s first priorities was to progress the Green Oaks development in Widnes.
In 1998 he helped Halton to gain unitary status.
Cllr Tony McDermott was elected to Widnes Council in 1972 as a member for Broadheath Ward, where he still lives and which he has represented without a break for 45 years, making him Halton Council’s longest-serving councillor. ●
Over the years, Cllr McDermott has chaired the environmental health committee, and was chairman of the finance committee throughout the 1980s.
He became chairman of economic development and deputy leader and mayor of Halton during 1998-99.
As leader from 1999 to 2010, Cllr McDermott took a leading role in regeneration projects including Victoria Square, the stadium, shopping and leisure facilities and joint venture schemes with St Modwen’s.
He chaired the Second Mersey Crossing Group, also known as the Mersey Gateway Group, for 14 years, making the case and building support for the second road bridge.
Cllr McDermott was awarded the MBE by the Queen in 2007 for services to local government.
Each of the honorary freemen was presented with an ‘Illuminated Address’ recording the enrolment and a badge of office and each will sign the Roll Of Honorary Freeman.
Cllr Rob Polhill, Halton Council leader, said “It was a privilege to be part of this ceremony to honour Cllr Cargill and Cllr McDermott.
“Between them, they have dedicated over 80 years of service to the community of Halton.
“Their contributions have helped to transform the borough over the years and in doing so improve the lives of many people living here.”