Scarborough solicitor Richard Grunwell set to be first Honorary Freeman of the borough in five years

Scarborough Council’s cabinet today agreed to recommend that Richard Grunwell be given the borough’s highest honour in recognition of his years of service and good works.

The honour is only awarded in “very exceptional cases”, and subject to the approval of full council, retired solicitor Mr Grunwell will be added to the roll of honour.

In a report prepared for the cabinet, it laid out why Mr Grunwell had been chosen.

It stated: “Mr Grunwell, who was an original member of the Scarborough Urban Renaissance Board, has represented the borough council on the North Bank Partnership and other influential bodies, and was pivotal in attracting Coventry University and the University Technical College to the borough.

“He is a member of Scarborough Business Ambassadors and in September 2019 was appointed Vice-Chair of the 20/18 Scarborough Town Centre Strategy Team, tasked with leading the town to become the best performing coastal town centre in England by 2025.”

Cabinet member Cllr Liz Colling (Lab) told the meeting: “I am very pleased to see that Richard Grunwell has finally been recognised for his work over many years.”

During the meeting, six former borough councillors who lost their seats or stood down at last May’s local elections were also nominated to become Honorary Alderman.

The award is granted to former councillors with at least 16 years service on the authority.

The six former councillors are, Godfrey Allanson, David Billing, Tom Fox, Colin Haddington, Norman Murphy and Joe Plant.

Following council approval, the honours will be bestowed at the Annual Meeting of the authority on May 21.