Olympians to be awarded Freedom of Caerphilly County Borough

Councillors have voted unanimously to award Olympians Lauren Price and Lauren Williams the Freedom of the Borough.

Price, from Ystrad Mynach won gold in the women’s middleweight boxing at the Tokyo Games, while Williams, from Blackwood, won silver in the 67kg taekwondo.

Councillor Philippa Leonard, who represents Risca East, said: “It is a fantastic achievement. They must have worked extremely hard, we are all so proud of them.”

A ceremony will be held at a later date to commemorate the award.

Ystrad Mynach’s Plaid Cymru councillor Martyn James raised a question about whether Paralympic javelin thrower Hollie Arnold, who used to live in Ystrad Mynach, should also receive a Freedom of the Borough.

Cllr James’ thoughts were echoed by Blackwood’s Independent councillor Kevin Etheridge. Cllr James’ comments did not receive a response.

The Freedom of the Borough award is for “persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Borough”.

The tradition of Boroughs conferring the Freedom goes back to ancient times when the Royal Charter Boroughs were almost, if not entirely, self-governing.