A “LEGENDARY” former councillor has been made Uttlesford District Council’s first Honorary Alderman in recognition of almost 50 years’ tireless public service.

Eggie Abrahams stood for the Clavering seat when the district council was created in 1974 and stood down at the elections in May. Prior to 1974 he had served on Saffron Walden Rural District Council for 11 years, giving him an incredible 48 year career as an elected councillor.

He was bestowed with the honour at a full council meeting on Tuesday.

Paying tribute to his decades of public service, council leader Jim Ketteridge said: “Eggie’s service to Uttlesford is remarkable but the work that he has done all of his life in his local community of Clavering is legendary.

“His humour and good nature have always stood him in good stead with all members and officers of this council and indeed with his former electorate.”

Liberal Democrat group deputy leader David Morson said Mr Abrahams was well known for his kind and gentle nature. He said: “It has been a privilege to know him since I joined this council in 1995. He is a great man of the community and has been a great servant of this council.”

Mr Abrahams was an Independent councillor who worked closely with Independent Cllr Elizabeth Godwin. She said: “Sometime you get to meet someone very special. Thank you Eggie for all you have done and are still doing. We appreciate it – and your patch and the district do too.”

Mr Abrahams, who is 87, has lived in Clavering all his life. He said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time as a councillor, particularly when he was council chairman in 1995 to 1996.

He added: “It has been a real honour to represent Clavering and I couldn’t have worked for a better council than Uttlesford District Council.

“I was on the old Saffron Walden Rural District Council back when there was something like four officers working there. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then and there have been many changes but I have met some wonderful people and would just like to say thank you to everyone.”

As an Honorary Alderman, Mr Abrahams will have the right to attend future civic occasions.