Alderman joy for long-serving Geoff

Geoff Roper, who served as a county councillor in Poulton for close to 30 years, was honoured alongside 10 of his former colleagues at a special ceremony at County Hall.

The title of Honorary Alderman is awarded to former county councillors who, in the opinion of the council, have made a significant contribution to Lancashire during their time in office.

The 11 former councillors, who have given 260 years’ service between them, were presented with the accolade at a special meeting of the full council last week.

Ald Roper, 79, said: “I was very proud. It was a tremendous honour of course.

“I am not one who seeks recognition.

“It’s very nice just to have some of the things you have been able to do recognised after being a councillor.”

Mr Roper represented Poulton on the county council since 1985, continuing until last year.

A former Mayor of Wyre, Mr Roper was also a councillor for the borough from 1979 to 1995. He stepped down in 1995 to concentrate on his county role.

Jean Battle, Pat Case CBE, Chris Cheetham, Shelagh Derwent, Hazel Harding CBE, Chris Holtom, Margaret Livesey, Tom Sharratt, Dorothy Westell and Keith Young were given the honour alongside Mr Roper.

County Coun Kevin Ellard, chairman of Lancashire County Council, said: “Being made an Honorary Alderman of Lancashire is a fitting way to mark what these men and women have done for Lancashire and the county council over many years.

“Those put forward have all shown a tremendous amount of dedication, loyalty and commitment to the thousands of people they served while in office.”