THREE former Wirral councillors have been awarded civic honours.

At an extraordinary full council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to accept the recommendation that Adrian Jones and Les Rowlands should be conferred the title of Honorary Alderman and Moira McLaughlin the title of Honorary Alderwoman in recognition of their many years of public service.

The recommendation was tabled by Cllr Andrew Hodson, the Chair of the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee.

In considering nominating former councillors to receive the title of Honorary Alderman or Alderwoman, members have to pay regard to the law that says a nominee must be a person of distinction and/or someone who has, in its opinion, rendered eminent service to the place or area.

In addition, on Wirral, the council stipulates a councillor must have served for 20 years or more.

Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen are invited to attend Council meetings in a non-participating capacity and take part in civic ceremonies such as Civic Sundays, Remembrance Sundays and other appropriate events. Honorary members do not receive any allowances or payments for their role under section 173 – 176 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Adrian Jones was a councillor for 27 years representing Seacombe Ward as Labour Party Member until May 2022. He also served as Mayor of Wirral 2008-2009 and is a retired lecturer and Union UCU Official. He was also a cabinet member for Resources, Finance, Assets and Technology during his service to Wirral Council.

Moira McLaughlin was councillor from May 1996, representing Rock Ferry Ward (formerly Tranmere) as Labour councillor until October 2018.

She then resigned from the Labour Party and served the remainder of her term as an Independent until May 2022. Moira served as Mayor of Wirral 2011-2012 and has also served as a cabinet member for Adult Health and Social Care and was a nurse.

Les Rowlands was a Heswall Conservative councillor for 24 years from May 1998, until May 2022. Les served as Mayor of Wirral 2015-2016. He is also a talented entertainer who has performed at the Empire Theatre and The Floral Pavilion Theatre and appeared in Coronation Street.

The names of Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen are inscribed on a Roll of Honour Board on the first-floor landing of Wallasey Town Hall.