A COUNCILLOR is leading calls for NHS and social care staff in the borough to be permanently honoured by Dudley Council for their dedication during the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Kieran Casey is calling for hard-working care and key workers to be awarded the Freedom of the Borough as a mark of thanks for their sacrifice.

The accolade is the highest award the council can bestow and former recipients include RAF Cosford, the 63 Military Intelligence Company in Stourbridge, Dudley's own Sir Lenny Henry and Halesowen tennis ace Jordanne Whiley.

The Upper Gornal and Woodsetton councillor is also discussing plans for the creation of a monument as a mark of permanent thanks from the people of the borough to carers, possibly to be placed outside Russells Hall Hospital.

He is working with local artists to draw up plans and is hoping to launch a fundraiser to make the project happen.

Councillor Casey, who is Shadow Cabinet Member for Communities on Dudley Council, said: “There is no doubt that we owe more to frontline NHS, social care staff and key workers during this time than words can say.

“We have seen the country rightly come together each week at 8pm to say thank you to all those who are working tirelessly to treat our loved ones and to ensure that some of the most vulnerable and isolated people have the help and support they need during these very difficult times.

“I’ve seen first-hand when helping local community organisations the great work that is being done in our communities and by those on the front line.

"Of course at the moment the main thing is that we ensure that they have all the help and support they need, but I think it’s extremely important that when we start to get back to some form of normality after beating this virus, that we recognise and never forget the sacrifices that have been made.”

“That’s why I’m calling on Dudley Council to formally recognise this work by giving NHS and social care staff the highest award the council can confer on them, which is the Freedom of our Borough and as a lasting and constant reminder to us all of their work, I’m also looking to raise funds for a permanent monument in the Borough to recognise them properly and to simply say thank you from us all.”

The councillor has the backing of Dudley's Labour Group and will be working across the council to put the plans into action.