A DEDICATED man who has committed over 40 years’ worth of work to Purleigh Parish Council has been granted an Honorary Freedom in their area.

Brian Oliver, of Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, has provided continuous service for Purleigh Parish Council between 1976 and 2016, serving in many different positions and having held the office of parish councillor and chairman.

An Honorary Freedom can be bestowed by a parish council to a valued member of the community who has provided astonishing levels of service for the people of the area.

The origins of the title dates back to medieval times, governed in the UK by the Local Government Act 1972, which was reformed in 2009 to allow parishes to award the title.

The award tends to be ceremonial, given by the local government in towns and parishes to those who have devoted exceptional efforts.

Purleigh Parish Council resolved at its June meeting to grant Mr Oliver the first ever honorary Freedom of the Parish of Purleigh.

Chairman Gavin Strathern presented Mr Oliver with a scroll dedicating the Honorary Freedom to him.

Mr Strathern said at the meeting: “We the council grant you this highest honour we can bestow for the valuable and devoted services rendered to the council by you for forty years.

“Between 1976 and 2016 you have served in many positions and held the offices of councillor and chairman. We commend and applaud your valuable and sterling service whilst thanking you most sincerely.”

When making the presentation, the Chairman reflected on Brian’s skills as a council chairman, determination in difficult situations, sense of humour and many occasions when his contributions had been invaluable and telling.

Members recalled key events and meetings where Brian’s intervention as a councillor, or his management as Chairman, had led to a successful resolution of the issue in hand.

Jane Potter, Parish Council Clerk, said: “During the presentation Mr Oliver was most warmly congratulated and thanked by every single council member for his exceptionally long service on Purleigh Parish Council. We owe him a great deal of gratitude.”