Former top councillor honoured with freewoman title for service to the community

Bev Holder

28 June 2024 at 2:00 pm·1-min read

Former councillor Karen Shakespeare receives Freedom of Dudley borough with l-r husband and fellow Freeman Les Jones, Deputy Lieutenant Richard Boot, Mayor of Dudley and Mayoral Consort <i>(Image: Dudley Council)</i> — Former councillor Karen Shakespeare receives Freedom of Dudley borough with l-r husband and fellow Freeman Les Jones, Deputy Lieutenant Richard Boot, Mayor of Dudley and Mayoral Consort *(Image: Dudley Council)*

A FORMER Dudley borough councillor has received a top honour for her community service.

Karen Shakespeare, who served on the council’s cabinet for many years and as a councillor for Halesowen North then Norton between 2000 and 2023, was made an Honorary Freewoman on June 26.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Mayor of Dudley, said: “Karen has been an esteemed colleague over the years, with both of us serving the Halesowen community side by side for decades and Karen also holding the post of cabinet member for the environment for many years.

“I am delighted to present her with the Freedom of our wonderful borough.”

The honour is the third such title given out in two weeks in recognition of the work carried out by former councillors.

Former Mayor, Ken Finch, was made an Honorary Alderman last week and late Cradley and Wollescote councillor Richard Body was awarded the title posthumously having passed away in May 2023 days after successfully retaining his seat in the local election.

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