Trio get long-service awards

Three former South Staffordshire District Council members have been honoured for serving the public for a total of 99 years.

The three retired members were granted the title of Honorary Alderman at a meeting of the council on Wednesday night.

The trio are former Cheslyn Hay member Bill Craddock, Himley and Swindon councillor Bill Brownhill and Wombourne South West member Paddy Kelly.

Mr Craddock represented Cheslyn Hay South and was first elected to Cannock Rural District Council in 1955. He served continually until South Staffordshire District Council was formed in 1974 and served a total of 52 years until 2007.

Mr Bill Brownhill represented Himley and Swindon and was leader of South Staffordshire Council from 1982 to 2005 and was Chairman for 1981/2.

Before the council was formed in 1974 Mr Paddy Kelly was a member of Seisdon Rural District Council from 1969. He was chairman from 1979/80 and served as deputy leader from 2001 until 2003 and from 2004 until 2007.

Brian Edwards, leader of South Staffordshire Council, said: "All three councillors have provided outstanding service to the council and people of South Staffordshire.

"The award of honorary alderman has never been awarded by South Staffordshire Council before, which indicates the very high esteem they are held in by councillors and the people of the district."