Cllr awarded Honorary Alderman title
At a special council meeting on 29 November 2023, councillors voted unanimously to appoint Mr Paul English as Honorary Alderman of Arun District Council as recognition of his many years of service.
Mr English represented the district ward of Felpham East for 18 years, from 2005 to 2023. Paul also served as a Felpham Parish councillor from 1986 for 37 years, with 12 of those as Chaiman of the Parish.
During his time as an Arun District Cllr Paul was on the Arun Grants Panel where he continued to try to obtain grant aid for youth organisations. He also served on the Arun Joint Western Area Committee and its highways panel influencing roads in the local area.
Paul was proud to have been both the Vice Chairman of the Arun Scrutiny Committee and later as its Chairman for a number of years. Paul also chaired on the Standards committee and presided over two call-ins on Arun decisions.
As a Cllr, Paul enjoyed giving his time and putting in the effort to improving the standards of all councillors in Arun. He sat on a number of standards adjudication panels as well. He was a member of the Environment Committee, to name but one of many committees he has had the privilege serve upon during his years of service as a District Councillor for Felpham East Ward.
During his years as a District Councillor and Parish Councillor and a myriad of evening meetings, Paul dedicated his time to the community, and this with the full support of his wife Joan and daughter Sophie. He barely missed any meetings despite a serious heart attack in 2001 and health issues in 2017. His dedication and commitment to the communities of Felpham and Arun were very important to him.
Cllr Shaun Gunner, Leader of the Arun Conservative Group, Arun District Council said: “In making Paul an Honorary Alderman, we honour and acknowledge his service to Felpham and Arun. In his roles he fought for the bypass being built before the houses at Site Six. He campaigned on car-parking, the community centre, as well as helping to promote a variety of groups and organisations. He is tenacious in fighting for the things he believes in.”
Councillor Mike Northeast, Leader of the Labour Group, Arun District Council gladly seconded this nomination.
Picture: Paul English and his wife Joan English