Honorary Alderman title awarded

A former district councillor, who served the community for more than 20 years, has been made an Honorary Alderman.

Stephen Williams was bestowed with the title at a special meeting of Wyre Forest District Council on Tuesday 22 October 2019.

Councillor Williams was first elected to the council in 1999 when he represented the Chaddesley ward. The ward name and boundaries changed to Chaddesley and Blakedown and latterly to the Wyre Forest Rural Ward but Councillor Williams continued to be the elected representative. He stood down at the May 2019 elections.

He was Chairman of the Council for a record four times. He was elected to the post in 2005-2006, 2008-2009, 2014-2015 and 2018-2019.

He also chaired the planning committee from 2004-2019, except for the years when he was Chairman of the Council.

The Chairman of the Council, Councillor Shazu Miah, presented him with a Badge of Office and a scroll.  The privileges he is now entitled to include receiving invitations to all civic events to which members of the council are invited and walking in civic processions in a position immediately senior to serving Members.

Honorary Alderman Stephen Williams said:

“I always enjoyed being part of Wyre Forest District Council and serving the community alongside my colleagues.  I was lucky to be given the honour of being Chairman four times, acting as its official representative at civic and ceremonial occasions and now I feel very honoured to receive this title too.  I’m delighted my friends and family were here to enjoy this happy occasion.”

Councillor Williams is still a member of the council’s choir and they performed as part of the ceremony.

Councillor Shazu Miah, Chairman of the Council, said:

“Stephen Williams has given outstanding service to the authority and the local community over many years. The fact that he was chairman four times during his time in office highlights how highly respected and admired he is by his fellow councillors. It was a great pleasure for me to perform the ceremony and to bestow the title of Honorary Alderman on Stephen Williams, an honour that is thoroughly deserved.”

Councillor Williams still remains involved in local government, as a member of Chaddesley Corbett Parish Council, a role he’s held for many years.

The meeting was webcast and can be viewed on the council’s website www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/webcast.

(Picture shows from left to right: Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, Councillor Shazu Miah and Honorary Alderman, Stephen Williams)