Boston Borough Council commemorates 50 years of serving the community

The Borough Council was formed on 1^st April 1974 following the Local Government Act of 1972 which led to the restructure of local government. The Act saw the number of councils in England reduce from 1,000 to 412 with Boston Borough created by the merger of the Municipal Borough of Boston and Boston Rural District.

With the continuation of the Borough status, the new Boston Borough Council was able to continue the civic role of The Worshipful The Mayor of Boston, which dates back to when Boston was an ancient borough in 1545. Following the Local Government Act of 1972, the first Mayor of the newly instated Boston Borough Council was Peter Ellice Paine.

Market stall erectors, John Hall and Dave Wilson are two of the longest serving employees of the council who have been with the authority for more than 50 years.

John started in 1972 with the then Boston Rural District and moved over to the Borough following the restructure. Dave started in 1971 with the Municipal Borough of Boston Council.

Dave said: "I left school and started gardening in the cemetery. In those days, they employed for the summertime as a student. I have had various roles, including with other organisations when privatisation happened as well as being self-employed but in all that time, I have remained working for the council in putting the stalls up for the market. I'm proud to have worked for so long - it definitely keeps me fit."

John said: "There are not many people who can say they have worked for the same company for more than 50 years - it's something to be proud of when you think of our long service!"

Cllr Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: "I am delighted the Council has been proudly serving residents in the Borough for 50 years. It is a real milestone in the history of the Borough and for the Council.

"We continue to deliver high quality services for residents, businesses and visitors and the Council will always make the most of opportunities which best support residents and the local economy.

"Since 2021, Boston has been part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership with East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council. The partnership approach is driving growth and regeneration and giving us greater access to vital funding so we can deliver projects and services that are meaningful for residents.

"On the 50^th anniversary, I thank all residents and businesses for the contribution that they make to ensure that Boston is seen by others in a very positive light. We have a huge amount to be proud of in this beautiful borough. When I moved to Boston forty two years ago, I found the people to be extremely warm, caring and welcoming. Those qualities encouraged me and many others to make Boston their forever home and at this stage in my life I am extremely honoured to be the leader of the Borough Council  - there is no doubt that it is the people, the many volunteers, community groups, organisations and businesses that make the Borough a fantastic place to live, work and visit."