Heroes of Dudley coronavirus fight to be given Freedom of Borough
Councillors have agreed to award the Freedom of the Borough to people who have been on the front line in the fight against the coronavirus.
The request, submitted by Labour councillor Keiran Casey, was formally approved at an extraordinary meeting of Dudley Council.
The motion that has been agreed says the council should "confer the Freedom of the Borough on the NHS, public health, adult social care, children's services, bereavement services and voluntary sector workers serving the people of the borough".
Councillor Casey, who represents Upper Gornal and Woodsetton, said: "It's brilliant news that this request has been approved by the council.
"This is the highest honour the council can give and I think it's really important we continue to show our thanks and appreciation to those on the very frontline of this fight, who without a moments hesitation go in to our hospital wards to treat patients, in to our care homes to look after our elderly and vulnerable and out in the community to ensure that people have the help and support they need.
"For me, this is about recognising on mass, the hundreds and hundreds of people in these areas who work tirelessly right across our borough and showing them how truly grateful we are for the work they have and continue to do".
"It's about us as a borough saying very simply, thank you and there is no doubt that we owe more than words can say to those on the very frontline of this fight."
It came as plans for a permanent monument outside Russells Hall Hospital to commemorate people's efforts to fight the virus gathered pace, with more than £12,000 raised of the £30,000 target.
Dudley College, the University of Wolverhampton, Interserve, South Staffs Water and the University of Birmingham have all donated, ahead of the start of a public fundraising drive in the coming weeks.
Mr Casey said he had been "blown away" by the support for the project, adding: "This will be a way of having a lasting tribute to everyone that has done so much for us, in some cases paying the ultimate sacrifice."
Designs for the monument have been produced by local artists Steve Field.
