A ‘PASSIONATE’ and ‘determined’ public servant has been awarded the Freedom of Northwich.

David Roberts, son of Roberts Bakery founder Frank, was hailed for his involvement in community life at a Northwich Town Council meeting on Monday.

Following a proposal by Cllr Sam Naylor, Mr Roberts was named a freeman of the town.

He said: “It’s staggering, really. I am honoured.

“I am a Northwich guy – I was born here and went to the grammar school, and have had the good luck to run a family business for 40 years.

“It’s an honour to be recognised for doing my bit for the town.”

The ceremonial title is awarded in recognition of extraordinary achievement or contribution to Northwich. Rower Matthew Langridge was the inaugural recipient of the award after his success at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016.

Cllr Naylor said ‘product of Northwich’ Mr Roberts, 82, deserved the honour after his decades of involvement in community life.

A former governor at various schools in the area, including Sir John Deane’s and The Russett School, he also chaired the Mid Cheshire Chamber of Commerce in the 1990s.

Most recently, he was chairman of the Northwich Neighbourhood Plan group, collating residents’ views into planning policies which will act as a blueprint for the town’s development through to 2030.

Cllr Naylor said: “It is now some two years since we initiated the honour of freedom of the town for exceptional achievements, or any endeavour that gives gravitas to our town.

“David Roberts has given lifelong service to our community as a business and a local community statesman.

“He played an integral role in taking Roberts Bakery onwards and upwards. There is no doubting that Roberts has brought tremendous wealth to our town and that David has been a big driver in that.

“He is passionate about this town and is determined to get best out of it.”

Cllr Naylor’s calls were endorsed by Cllrs Derek Bowden and Paul Dolan, and were unanimously and wholeheartedly backed by fellow Northwich Town Council members.

Cllr Bowden said: “He is determined to do all he can to get the best he can for the town. This is absolutely deserved.”

Cllr Dolan added: “David exemplifies the best in public service. He wants to preserve the best parts of the town, but also looks forward to the future.”

n northwichguardian.co.uk