Tributes to former leader of Kettering Council and first honorary freeman of the borough

Tributes have been paid following the death of former Kettering Council leader Terry Freer.

Terry was first elected to the council in May 1976 and carried out the role of mayor in 1982-3 during which time he welcomed the Queen to Kettering.

For many years Terry was leader of the council.

In June 2016 Terry was made the first Honorary Alderman of the Borough, an honour only available to ex-councillors, in recognition of the 40 years of service Terry gave as an elected councillor.

During his time on the council, Terry played a leading role in the economic development of the borough; overseeing growth in and around the borough’s four towns and shaping the development to the east of Kettering.

He also held several positions on the county council and within the NHS.

Terry retired as councillor for the St Peter’s Ward in February 2016.

A spokesman for Kettering Council said: "The council’s thoughts and sympathies are with the Freer family at this sad time."

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