SIX Copeland individuals are set to be awarded with honorary titles. 

Copeland Borough Council is to consider awarding six ex-councillors the status of Honorary Alderman.

The title, which recognises eminent citizens, particularly for their service to the council, is proposed to be awarded to: George Clements, Eileen Eastwood, Anne Faichney, Frank McPhillips, Willis Metherell and William Southward.

A special Full Council meeting on Thursday will vote on whether to bestow the title upon the six.

Mayor Mike Starkie said: “It’s an honour to recognise these upstanding members of our community and celebrate the great service they have given the council. Each of them has gone beyond the call of duty in representing Copeland people both at the council and beyond.

“As a relatively new elected representative, I can really appreciate what they have done over many years and I salute their dedication.”

The proposed new Honorary Aldermen are:

George Clements, a councillor from 1997-2015 and Mayor in 2003/4. This included 14 years on the Executive. 

Eileen Eastwood, a councillor from 2003-2015 and Mayor in 2014/1. She has also been on Seascale Parish Council for more than 25 years, remains chair of the Mid Copeland Partnership and campaigns for a Seascale to Gosforth cycleway. 

Anne Faichney, a councillor from 2000-2015 and Mayor in 2007/8. Anne set up a group which led to the reopening of a community Centre in Mirehouse which had stood empty for ten years. 

Frank McPhillips, a councillor from 2003-2007 

Willis Metherall, a councillor from 1999-2011 and Mayor in 2006/7. Willis was also the chair of Distington Parish Council for 12 years and a leading voice in the campaign for the Distington bypass – she met with four different transport ministers. 

William Southward, a councillor from 1991-2015 and Mayor in 2004/5. William is a former miner and Sellafield worker. 

There will be a special Full Council meeting to vote on appointing the aldermen at 1pm on Thursday in the Copeland Centre, Whitehaven (followed by the Full Council meeting at 2.30pm.) Two thirds of councillors present must vote in favour of the recommendation.

The proposed Honorary Aldermen are in addition to seven existing Honorary Aldermen.