Five people with more than 100 years service to Dudley Council to be honoured

Former Mayor of Dudley Dave Tyler and long-serving ward Councillor Bryan Cotterill – who both stood down this year after serving 21 and 22 years respectively – are to be made honorary aldermen of the borough.

The title is one of the highest honours awarded by Dudley Council and recognises outstanding service to the borough.

Les Jones, a former leader of the council, and Hilary Bills, a former deputy mayor, are to be awarded the freedom of the borough. Both also bowed out in May – having served 22 years and nine years respectively on the authority.

Councillor Ian Kettle – a former mayor and the councillor with the longest period of continuous service currently sitting on the authority – is also to be awarded the freedom of the borough. Councillor Kettle has been a serving councillor since 1990 – an unbroken period of 31 years.

The trio will join a prestigious list of names to receive the freedom scroll including multi-millionaire businessman Roy Richardson, world tennis star Jordanne Whiley and comedian and actor Lenny Henry.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: "These five people served the borough tirelessly as councillors – and in Councillor Kettle’s case continues to serve into a third decade – and I am delighted to be able to recognise their commitment in this way.

"They have all been influential figures at this authority serving in senior roles, making a huge difference to the lives of the people of this borough.

"It is an honour to have served alongside them and fitting to mark their achievements at the council."