Former Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ken Sawyers, has become a Freeman of Neath Port Talbot.
Mr Sawyers was nominated in recognition of his 48 years service to local government, 14 years as Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot.
Speaking in support of the formal resolution at a special Freedom Ceremony held on Tuesday at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot, Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said being granted the Freedom of the County Borough is the highest honour to be bestowed on any individual and is a token of the honour and esteem in which Ken Sawyers is held by the Council.
Councillor Thomas added, “This is an honour that Ken Sawyers so richly deserves.
“In the years he served Neath Port Talbot as Chief Executive, he proved himself to be a fair, loyal and expert professional.
“He became very much a part of our communities and showed immense pride in all its achievements.
“We will always be indebted to him for his enormous efforts to make Neath Port Talbot the Best Council in Wales.
“His dedication to local government was justly rewarded in 2007 when he was admitted an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
“His main consideration was always the well being of Neath Port Talbot and all its citizens.”
In his speech, Ken Sawyers gave thanks to the Council, Leader and Councillors for the immense honour bestowed on him and his family.
“I am overwhelmed by the honour and am more appreciative than words can say.”
Reflecting on his 14 years at Neath Port Talbot, he added, “A leader is only as good as the people who work around him and any successes were due to the contribution of many fantastic people I worked with as well.”
He paid tribute to the many organisations county borough wide he worked with, saying, “I owe them a huge debt of gratitude. I was energised by different people, in different places at different times who were all inspired by a passion to improve Neath Port Talbot and improve people’s lives.
“I feel a sense of belonging and of pride whenever I think of this community,” he added.
