Knowles humbled by civic honour

AWARD . . . (from left) Richard Knowles, council chief executive Charlie Parker and Oldham Mayor Councillor Olwen Chadderton

LONG-SERVING councillor and Mayor Richard Knowles has been awarded the title of honorary Alderman after a 36-year career serving the borough.

Mayor of Oldham last year, the former councillor was recognised for his dedication to the community at a special ceremony in the Oldham Council chamber yesterday.

He was first elected in the Coldhurst and Westwood ward in 1973 aged 26, and after six years stood in Saddleworth East (now Saddleworth South), which he represented as a Liberal Democrat for 30 years. During his year as Mayor, Mr Knowles was forced to take a three-month break after a rare nasal cancer diagnosis last November. He stepped down as a councillor in May.

He said: “I am humbled and delighted that Oldham councillors have given me the recognition of being an honorary alderman. I have really enjoyed my years taking on the social and economic challenges in Oldham. I will continue to help the people of the borough of Oldham in any way I can.”

The prestigious title - only the eighth Oldham has awarded – recognises former councillors who have made an extraordinary contribution to the wellbeing of the borough.