Special Council Meeting - 15th Jan 2016

Published: 25 January 2016

Members of Lichfield City Council gathered at the Guildhall on Friday 15 January for a special Council meeting where unusually there was only one item of business, which was to formally confer the Freedom of the City on Peter Young its former Town Clerk.

The City Council has the power to grant the Freedom of the City of Lichfield on Persons of distinction in accordance with section 249 of the local Government act 1972 as amended by section 29 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

At the meeting the Leader of the Council, Cllr David Smedley proposed the resolution which was seconded by the Deputy Leader, Cllr Mrs Norma Bacon. The motion was then put to the Council and carried unanimously.

The Mayor invited Mr Young to sign the Roll of Freeman after which he was formally presented with an illuminated scroll to mark the occasion; a bouquet of flowers was also presented to Peter's wife Janet.

The Mayor closed the meeting at 7.16pm; and friends and family members were then invited to stay for some light refreshments to celebrate this momentous event.

The Mayor, Cllr Andrew Smith said The Freedom of the City of Lichfield is granted rarely and only to those who have made a special contribution to our City. It has been 45 years since the Freedom was bestowed on an individual, which signifies the high regard Peter is held in. It is a privilege as Mayor to be part of this historic occasion'

Peter became Town Clerk in 1987 and during his 28 year tenure oversaw the development of the City Council from a very small organisation to one of the largest Parish Councils in the country. During this time he could also been seen in ceremonial wig and gown at all of the City Councils traditional civic events such as Dr Johnsons Birthday celebrations and Shrovetide to name just two. He continued to serve the City tirelessly until his retirement in August 2015.