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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Liam Thorp

Paul O'Grady to get highest honour Wirral can give

Wirral Council has announced one way in which the borough will pay tribute to Paul O'Grady.

The legendary entertainer, from Birkenhead, died suddenly on March 28, prompting a huge outpouring of love and tributes from across the country and beyond.

Since his death, calls have been growing for a permanent tribute such as a statue to be created in Paul's home town of Birkenhead. A petition aimed at funding such a memorial has now raised nearly £3,000.

READ MORE: Dance school 'appalled' Hillsborough tribute snubbed by Britain's Got Talent

Wirral Council is still consulting on the different options for a lasting tribute to the late comic, but it has announced one honour that will be bestowed upon him.

A statement from the council said: "Since the sad passing of Birkenhead's legendary entertainer Paul O'Grady in March, we've heard the many asks for us to celebrate his legacy and we agree.

"The first step in doing so will see councillors consider a recommendation to bestow the star - who first found fame as the self-proclaimed 'Blonde Bombsite' Lily Savage - with the honour of Freedom of the Borough.

"This would recognise his years entertaining the nation, along with his dedicated activism and charity work."

The Freedom of the Borough is the highest award that the council can bestow on a person and recognises a major contribution to society. The motion will be discussed and decided on at a meeting of the council's Regulatory and General Purposes Committee on Wednesday June 7 from 6pm.

Along with the Freedom honour, the council has not ruled out other options for a lasting tribute to Paul - which could include a statue or memorial.

The statement added: "We are also looking at other ways to pay tribute to the legacy of both Paul and Lily - more details will be shared as soon as we have them."

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