Call for health staff to be given ‘Freedom of the Borough’

In a joint statement, DUP councillors from across the borough said that given the “seismic contribution” those working in local hospitals and care facilities have made during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are hopeful Council will mark the contribution in a “manner that reflects the Borough’s gratitude”.

“The Coronavirus has had a huge effect on the borough and our thoughts are firstly with those who have suffered bereavement due to the COVID-19 pandemic and we also send our best wishes to those currently in hospital fighting this virus,” reads the statement.

“Given the seismic contribution made by those working in our hospitals and care facilities in standing on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19, we feel it is important that this very brave and courageous contribution is recognised by our Council when the time is right to do so.

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to health care workers across the borough and we salute them all as they continue this vital life saving work.

“God willing, when the public health environment allows, this Council can mark this contribution in a befitting manner that reflects the borough’s gratitude.”

The Freedom of the Borough is the highest civic honour a council can bestow.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you.