Walsall freedom plea for Slade star Noddy Holder to follow Lenny Henry award
A campaign has been launched to give Slade star Noddy Holder the freedom of the Walsall borough – after Lenny Henry was handed a similar honour in Dudley.
Walsall councillor Pete Smith says the musician should be celebrated for his achievements with the band, which scored a string of number one hits in the 1970s.
Councillor Smith, a Blakenall ward councillor, said: "The Freedom of the borough is a civic honour, rarely awarded and understandably so.
"In recent years, as far as Walsall is concerned, it tends to have been awarded to long-standing and retired politicians.
"Very recently we have seen Dudley Council award this honour to Dudley born and raised Lenny Henry, which I am sure will be supported by the majority of Dudley folk.
"I think that Walsall Council ought to consider Noddy Holder for the honour, and I am prepared to campaign for it. Unlike most former recipients of this honour, a detailed explanation of who he is, and what he has done, would be unnecessary for most of the people of Walsall.
Noddy was born in Caldmore, Walsall, and then moved to the Beechdale estate and attended TP Riley School in Bloxwich.
Councillor Smith says the star has always been proud of his Black Country roots. And he says it would boost the profile of the town and help attract visitors.
Councillor Smith is calling for anyone who wants to join the campaign to call him on 01922 491925 or write to him at The Council House, in Lichfield Street, Walsall.
