WORKERS on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic in the Dudley borough have been granted Freedom of the Borough as a mark of recognition for their dedication during the crisis.

Councillors voted to bestow the honour at Thursday night's virtual full council meeting following a request put forward by councillor Keiran Casey.

The honour has been granted to staff working in the NHS, public health, adult social care, children's services, bereavement services and voluntary sector workers in the Dudley borough as a mark of thanks for their work and sacrifice during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The accolade is the highest award the council can bestow and former recipients include RAF Cosford, the 63 Military Intelligence Company in Stourbridge, Dudley's own Sir Lenny Henry and Halesowen tennis ace Jordanne Whiley.

Councillor Casey said: "It's brilliant news that this request has been approved by the council.

"This is the highest honour the council can give and I think it's really important we continue to show our thanks and appreciation to those on the very frontline of this fight, who without a moments hesitation go in to our hospital wards to treat patients, in to our care homes to look after our elderly and vulnerable and out in the community to ensure that people have the help and support they need.

"For me, this is about recognising on mass, the hundreds and hundreds of people in these areas who work tirelessly right across our Borough and showing them how truly grateful we are for the work they have and continue to do.

"It's about us as a Borough saying very simply, thank you and there is no doubt that we owe more than words can say to those on the very frontline of this fight."

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "Whilst the fight against the pandemic is not yet over, we believe it’s important to recognise the continuing efforts of all those people who are helping us all.

"We will now work cross party to find the best way to recognise these achievements. There are so many people to acknowledge, we want to make sure we do this in a meaningful way and will be announcing how we will due this over the coming months."

The news comes as work to build a permanent monument in honour of care and key workers outside Russells Hall Hospital gains pace.

Donations have so far reached £12,000 in a matter of weeks since Councillor Casey launched the project, which will see the creation a rainbow monument covered in personalised colours hearts as a lasting tribute.

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Organisations including Dudley College, the University of Wolverhampton, Interserve, South Staffs Water and the University of Birmingham have so far pledged support.

Councillor Casey, who represents Upper Gornal and Woodsetton added: "I've also been blown away by the support I've received from local people and organisations on the project for a permanent monument in Dudley and thought this would be a way of having a lasting tribute to everyone that has done so much for us, in some cases paying the ultimate sacrifice".