Chris Roberts, Former Greenwich Leader And Four Others Set To Get Freedom Of The Royal Borough

by Benson Agoha | In Woolwich

* Chris Roberts was a former Leader of the Royal Borough
of Greenwich for 14 years. (Credit: via News shopper).

Five local people are to be given the Freedom of the Borough for their long-standing service to the area and its residents.

In a decision made on 27 January the council agreed to bestow the honour on Dr Tariq Abbasi MBE, Janet Gillman, Jim Gillman, Dermot Poston MBE, and Chris Roberts.

Dr Tariq Abbasi MBE has served the local community for 25 years firstly as director of the Greenwich Islamic Centre and now as the director general of the World Muslim Congress.

Janet Gillman served as a Councillor in the borough for 20 years holding many senior posts including Mayor twice. She was and still is, a governor of several schools and is active in many community groups and organisations.

Jim Gillman served as a Councillor in the borough over a 30 year period during which time he became deputy leader and was also Mayor twice. He has remained very active in the local community and is still a school governor.

Dermot Poston MBE was first elected to Greenwich Council in 1968. A former Leader of the opposition, his long record of public service led to the awarding of an MBE in 2013.

Chris Roberts was Leader of the Council for 14 years during which time the Borough secured ‘Royal’ status for Greenwich, co-hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

A Special Meeting of the Council will be called in the coming weeks to confirm Freedom of the Borough status for these long standing members of the community.