Veteran councillor in running for recognition award
Hertford Ward
borough councillor Godfrey Allanson has been short listed for the
‘judge’s special award for contribution to local government’ in the
LGiU Councillor Awards 2012.
The awards recognise the
vital contribution that councillors make to local democracy and to
their communities.
Fellow councillors and
officers at Scarborough Borough Council nominated Cllr Allanson for
the judge’s special award in recognition of his forty four and a
half years as a councillor, six years with former Bridlington Rural
District Council and thirty eight and half years with Scarborough
Borough Council.
As well as the many committees and projects
Cllr Allanson has led or been involved in during his four and half
decades in local government, which have seen him representing the
borough throughout the UK and Europe, he is also an active
volunteer in his home village of Muston, championing the famous
Muston Scarecrow Festival for many years and even taking on the
role of unpaid public clock winder.
Borough councillor, Derek
Bastiman, and Democratic Services Manager, Gill Wilkinson, who led
on the award submission said: “Godfrey’s commitment over the years
has been nothing short of remarkable. His personality and
approach to fellow colleagues, partners and residents is generous
and supportive and he is always prepared to offer a sympathetic
ear. His approach to all aspects of his working life means
that he is able to successfully bridge political divides and takes
others with him on his mission to do the best for his constituency
and the wider borough.
“As we say in Yorkshire,
Godfrey can best be described as a good village lad who has devoted
most of his working life to helping others while holding down a job
and raising a family.”
Cllr Allanson added: “I have
always felt it is an honour to serve my local community, district
and county and also play an important part in government issues at
a national level. In all my years serving at rural district
and borough level I can honestly say that the vast majority of
councillors of all political colours have tried to do their very
best for their constituents and my job locally is made so much
easier by the excellent staff at the town hall.”
Cllr Allanson will find out
whether he has won the award at the finals of the LGiU Awards 2012
on Monday 27 February.