A former Trafford Labour councillor who made a significant contribution to the Gorse Hill community has been bestowed the title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough.

Laurence Walsh, who served a term as Mayor from 2020 – 22, was granted the prestigious award during an Extraordinary Meeting of Council on Wednesday.

Laurence, 64, began representing his local community in 2000, a position he held for 24-years until his retirement from politics and public service earlier this year.

Deputy Leader, Cllr Cath Hynes, Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said it was a huge honour to propose Laurence as Alderman of the Borough.

She said: “Laurence served his community for more than two decades having joined the council in 2000.

“There have been so many changes in the world since then including some extremely dark times and momentous challenges too.

“Many of these changes have directly impacted Trafford residents, however, one of Laurence’s superpowers is how, in such a down to earth, honest, and genuine way he looked after the people in his community.”

Cllr Hynes continued: “In his role as chair of the Planning Committee, Laurence was formidable, knowledgeable, fair, reasonable, skilled and wise.

“All the qualities that are required for such an important, pressured and high-profile role.

“And during his Mayorship, which covered extensive periods of lockdown, arguably one of the toughest sets of circumstances in which to undertake this important role, Laurence rose to this challenge with dignity.

“At a time of great uncertainty, he was an anchor, providing steadfast reassurance and a sense of continuity. And I know how much he enjoyed meeting people and how they loved meeting him and his incredible wife Rachel.

“Through his dedicated service to the community and to Trafford, Laurence has achieved a great deal, and I am so proud to propose him as Honorary Alderman this evening.”

His former ward colleague and friend, Cllr Dave Acton, referred to Laurence as a ‘local legend’ who is respected by everyone.

He added: “He has been a superb councillor, a brilliant Mayor of Trafford, and a tremendous advocate for the residents and charities he represented.

“Having been ward colleagues for 20-years, what stands out has been Laurence’s dedication, commitment and service he gave freely to the residents of Gorse Hill and across Trafford.

“He has a heart of gold – and in his time as a councillor I witnessed him helping thousands of residents. He is a legend in Gorse Hill, and I am very proud of him – and he absolutely deserves this prestigious honour.”

Cllr Waseem Hassan said it was a great privilege to get to speak about Laurence and to give thanks to his former Labour colleague.

He added: “I met him fifteen-years-ago when he asked me to join a Gorse Hill action group, which focused on improving the social, economic and environmental well-being of his ward.

“I found Laurence very composed with strong passion to serve his community. He was a great advocate for local people and provided strong leadership and worked well with other agencies and organisations. I found him a fantastic communicator as Chair of the Planning Committee and as Mayor of Trafford.”

In response, Laurence thanked his former colleagues for their kind words and wishes.

He said: “It was a great honour for me to be Chair of Planning and Mayor of the borough, and I enjoyed working on the ground with people, that’s where I believe my strengths are.

“The Prime Minister talked recently about public service – and I think that is so important. That’s what it’s all about really.

“Thanks for all your kind words this evening, it was really important for me to be here this evening.

“It’s a great feeling to be supported by your former colleagues, it means a lot. Thank you.”