A BRADFORD councillor has been honoured at the 2017 Councillor Achievement Awards held by the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU).

Cllr Mohammed Amran (Lab, Heaton) was named as Community Champion at the ceremony at the Guildhall, London.

Cllr Amran’s work as chairman of the Bradford West Area Committee, championing the interests of residents, and a successful campaign on behalf of Heaton residents to secure a popular bus route, were all cited as reasons he deserved the award.

He was also praised for his work with residents to secure funding for a new walking track which opened in May this year.

Cllr Amran said the award was “brilliant news for Bradford”.

He said: “It is brilliant for the constituents who have supported me and what we have done for them.

“Without their support I would not have got this award.

“The award shows the appreciation there is for the work of councillors, and the important role we play in the wards we serve. Hopefully this will encourage other people to take the lead.

“Sometimes people don’t appreciate the work we do and sometimes councillors have a bad reputation, but for me this shows the work we do is appreciated by the community.

“Out of 90 nominated councillors, Bradford has won.

“Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe was with me and she is over the moon. It puts Bradford in a good light and shows the positive work we are doing, even with all the budget cuts.”

Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of LGiU, said: “We are delighted to unveil the winners of the 2017 Councillor Awards, a collection of individuals who showcase the instrumental role that councillors play in our daily lives, making our communities places where we all want to live.

“Year after year we take the time to honour the dedicated work of councillors from across the country because so often it goes unrecognised.

“Despite ever tightening budgets, councils continue to ensure that essential services are delivered on the ground, day after day.

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“They play a crucial role in keeping our communities connected, and safe. Celebrating their achievements is more important than ever.

“I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to Cllr Amran and thank him for his commitment to local government.

“We look forward to hearing more about his continued accomplishments in future.”

This is the eighth time the awards have been held. They are supported by the fund manager Churches, Charities and Local Authorities, the City of London Corporation, the IESE Business School, and Mears Group.