GWENT Olympians Lauren Price and Lauren Williams are to be awarded the freedom of Caerphilly County Borough.
Ms Price, from Ystrad Mynach, won gold in the women’s middleweight boxing at the Tokyo Games, while Ms Williams, from Blackwood, won silver in the 67kg taekwondo.
This week Caerphilly County Borough Council members voted unanimously to confer the honour on the pair
Cllr Philippa Leonard, who represents Risca East, said: “It is a fantastic achievement. They must have worked extremely hard, we are all so proud of them.”
A ceremony will be held at a later date to commemorate the award.
Ystrad Mynach’s Plaid Cymru councillor Martyn James raised a question about whether Paralympic javelin thrower Hollie Arnold, who used to live in Ystrad Mynach, should also receive the freedom of the borough.
Cllr James’ thoughts were echoed by Blackwood’s Independent councillor Kevin Etheridge. Cllr James’ comments did not receive a response.
According to the council, the freedom of the borough award is for “persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the borough”.
The tradition of boroughs conferring freedom goes back to ancient times when the Royal Charter Boroughs were almost, if not entirely, self-governing.
MORE NEWS:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here