Nine former Blackburn with Darwen councillors given long service awards

Nine former councillors have been recognised for their dedication to Blackburn with Darwen at last week’s Council Forum meeting, where they were presented with long service awards.

Between them, the former councillors gave 209 years of service to the council, with individual service ranging from 19 years to 38 years.

The awards were said to recognise the contribution each councillor made in serving residents, supporting communities and helping shape the borough over many years.

The nine recognised were Kevin Connor, Derek James Hardman, Parwaiz Akhtar, Jacqueline Slater, Jim Shorrock, Suleman Khonat, David Smith, Julie Slater and Jim Smith.

Their years of service were: Kevin Connor, 19 years; Derek James Hardman, 25 years; Parwaiz Akhtar, 20 years; Jacqueline Slater, 22 years; Jim Shorrock, 22 years; Suleman Khonat, 22 years; David Smith, 38 years; Julie Slater, 19 years; and Jim Smith, 22 years.