Honours for long-serving former Littlehampton and Barnham councillors

Jean Goad was a member of Arun District Council for 30 years, while Tony Squires was first elected in 1979, with both serving up until the election in May 2015.

Their former colleagues are set to acknowledge their long service by making them honorary aldermen at a full council meeting on Wednesday, September 9, at Arun Civic Centre.

They will be presented with a certificate and honorary alderman’s jewel.

Mike Northeast, who represents the Courtwick with Toddington ward at ADC and also still serves with Tony on Littlehampton Town Council, described his ‘unstinting’ work for the local community, and ‘standing up for those who perhaps have not got a voice but being that voice for them’.

Tony was first elected to the Littlehampton Wick ward, then to the Littlehampton Ham ward from 1983. He was chairman of the district council from 2005-06 and has served as mayor of the town council on two occasions.

Jean, meanwhile, was first elected to the Barnham ward in 1985 and held it until she stepped down this May.

She was chairman of numerous committees, most notably the Development Control Committee, and was also chairman of the council from 1996-97.

Her service to the area was recognised by the Queen in June, when she received an MBE in the Birthday Honours List for her services to local government.

Back in June Jean said: “I’ve had a very, very happy time and really enjoyed being on Arun District Council and have been very proud that I was elected and did it.”

Council leader Gill Brown added: “I am delighted that Jean has been recognised for her services to local government. I feel honoured to be leader of a council on which Jean served for so many years.”

The title of honorary alderman is specifically intended for former members of the council who have made an ‘exceptional contribution’ to the work of the council and the community.

They may attend and take part in civic ceremonies organised by the council, and can attend council committees or meetings to observe proceedings.

Proposals to recognise both Jean and Tony as honorary aldermen were unanimously agreed by councillors when the idea was first mooted.

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