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Duo are named as honorary aldermen

Stephanie Turner
14/12/2006

TWO former councillors have accepted the title of honorary alderman at a special presentation to recognise their service and dedication to the community.

Retired councillors Ian Ormerod and Dave Parkins were given their badges at the full council meeting on Monday evening.

An alderman is a member of an English county or borough council next in status to the Mayor.

Councillor Ormerod joined the council in 1991 and worked for the people of Milnshaw.

The former Labour group leader has been heavily involved in Mid-Pennine Arts and is the chairman of the Citizens' Advice Bureau. In 1998 he became the Mayor of Hyndburn and he was also a county councillor for four years.

Councillor Jean Battle said: "One of the great things about Ian was he knew how to delegate. I think that shows the character of a person who doesn't want to keep it all to himself. He wants people to get on with it.

"I don't know what else I can say but he has done some excellent work for the people."

Councillor Britcliffe said that Mr Ormerod was a "wonderful ambassador" for the town.

He added: "We were all very sorry to lose him from the council. There was a strong competitive edge between him and people like myself. A lot of that was fun and we could talk about it afterwards and share a laugh together."

Mr Ormerod said that he had some very fond memories of his time on the council. He added: "There were also those tedious, boring meetings that you have to sit through which I think is what I remember the most. I don't miss it in the slightest.

"There is life outside the council, I assure you. When you have got the appetite for it then it's great and you can get on with it and have a ding-dong. People didn't believe when I stood up and said I was going but I went."

Councillor Brendan Shiel proposed the nomination for Dave Parkins, also a former Mayor, who represented Huncoat.

He said: "When Dave was first elected he was thrust into the limelight and he was unequipped for it.

"At every area council meeting there was never any need for a microphone. Dave's voice boomed across the room.

"He was proud to represent the people who elected him into office. The effort he put in was way above what was required - he always went that extra mile."

Mr Parkins said: "I do miss the council and I would like to thank everyone who supported me, especially my wife. This honour is for the people of Huncoat as well."