A lifetime legend: Tributes paid to veteran Kidderminster councillor on winning award after 51 years' service
A veteran West Midland councillor has been praised for more than half a century's dedicated commitment to the community as she was presented with a national award.
Councillor Fran Oborski, of Wyre Forest Council, won the Lifetime Legend award at the Cllr Awards held at London's Guildhall days before her 80th birthday.
Councillor Oborski, who has served continuously on the authority since it was created in 1973, was presented with the honour at the 16th annual awards ceremony, organised by the Local Government Information Unit and sponsored by CCLA investment group.
Councillor Oborski, who for many years served alongside her late husband Mike, held several leadership roles, including deputy leader of the council, and played a pivotal role in both scrutiny and planning.
She is involved with Wyre Forest Council's No Barriers awards, which recognise businesses, organisations or individuals which make life easier for the disabled.
The scheme was set up in 2008 in memory of her husband Mike, who instigated them shortly before his death in 2007. But they took on an extra poignant meaning last year when Councillor Oborski became a wheelchair user herself, having had a leg amputated.
“No Barriers awards have always been close to my heart, as they were set up in memory of my husband Mike, but after my experience last year they mean even more to me," she said.
"Now it’s even clearer to me the difference people who do that bit more make to the lives of people with disabilities."
She was also praised for her work with the Help community project which provides support for the homeless.
Announcing the result, judges said: "Her enthusiasm and commitment to the area and residents still shines through.
"Her impact is evident in both policy and her dedication to the community as well as her tireless support of community organisations."
Councillor Oborski, who was appointed an MBE in 2014 for political and public service in Kidderminster, has also served as chairman and vice-chairman of the authority, as well as holding cabinet positions.
She is Liberal Party councillor for Offmore and Comberton ward, and serves as vice-chairman of the overview and scrutiny committee.
More than 400 nominations were received across five categories, celebrating the wide-ranging work of councillors.
Top prize of the evening, Leader of the Year, went to Councillor Arooj Shah of Oldham Council. Councillor Alex Ehmann from Richmond upon Thames Council was this year’s Innovator of the Year, while Councillor John-Paul Ennis of Lambeth Council walked away with Young Councillor of the Year. Councillor Harry Boparai of Spelthorne Borough Council won the Community Champion Award.
Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of the Local Government Information Unit, said: “Councillors work tirelessly to support their communities and drive change.
"These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day. This year’s winners are a real testament to the dedication, creativity and leadership shown by councillors across England and Wales.”
Lee Jagger, local government, relationship manager for CCLA said: “Councillors sit at the heart of our communities, and these awards are a chance to spotlight the meaningful, real-world difference they deliver every day.
"Their dedication improves lives in countless, practical ways. At a time when councils are navigating extraordinary pressures, the Cllr Awards are a powerful reminder of just how essential our councillors and councils are.”
