[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]
Minutes:
1. Councillor Peter Bilson.
The Mayor was saddened to announce the death of long-serving City of Wolverhampton Councillor Peter Bilson, who sadly passed away at Russells Hall Hospital on Saturday 15 Februaryfollowing a period of illness.
The Mayor added that Peter was first elected in 1982 and had represented the Bushbury South and Low Hill ward. He had a wealth of experience and was involved in various roles in Local Government, the Fire Service and the Voluntary and Community Sector.
The Mayor added that during Peter’s long career as Councillor, Peter had chaired the Personnel, Housing, Leisure, Environmental Health and Economic Development functions of the Council and he also served on a number of Regional and National Bodies.
The Mayor advised that Peter was originally employed as a Firefighter, then as a Trade Union Official, he went on to serve as the Chair of the Regional Fire Authority (WMFCDA) before becoming the Millennium Mayor of Wolverhampton for 1999-2000.
The Mayor informed Council that the funeral would take place on Wednesday 11 March at 1200 at St Peter’s Collegiate Church.
The Mayor extended the deepest sympathies of the Council to Peter Bilson’s family at this very sad time.
The Council stood in silent tribute to the late Peter Bilson.
2. Elias Mattu Avenue
The Mayor was honoured to join Councillor Asha Mattu, the widow of former Mayor, Elias Mattu, this Monday for the opening of a new road named after the late and much-missed councillor. Elias Mattu Avenue was in the heart of Graiseley and would be a lasting memorial to a very popular man who did so much for our city.
3. Knife Angel
The Mayor informed Council that the Knife Angel – a powerful symbol of hope and cohesion, and a salient warning of the dangers of carrying and using bladed weapons was coming to Wolverhampton. The Knife Angel would go on display in Queen Square in the city centre for 28 days from Monday 30 March as part of a nationwide anti-violence tour.
The Mayor added that whilst the Knife Angel was in Wolverhampton, a knife amnesty would also be taking place. All knives surrendered through this amnesty would be used to create a new sculpture for Wolverhampton as part of the Angel’s legacy, through the joint efforts of partners in Wolverhampton and the British Ironwork Centre.
4. Dementia Friendly Community Status
The Mayor reported that Wolverhampton had once more been recognised as a dementia friendly city – demonstrating that organisations were working together to make people living with the condition feel better understood, respected and supported.
The Mayor added that The Alzheimer's Society had granted Wolverhampton Dementia Friendly Community Status for the third year running after recognising the work taking place to improve services for people living with dementia, and their families and carers.
5. National Exploitation Awareness Day
The Mayor reported that the Council would once again be raising awareness of child and adult sexual exploitation on the 18th through to 20th March 2020. The day aims to encourage everyone to think, spot and, most importantly, speak out against abuse. The Council was committed to tackling exploitation and supporting victims and their families who were subjected to the abuse.