THE OUTGOING chairman of York Civic Trust could become a Freeman of the city under new proposals being put before City of York Council.

John Shannon has served as Civic Trust chairman for more than 30 years.

During that time he has worked closely with City of York Council on a number of projects, one of the most prominent being the redevelopment of the Mansion House in the late 1990's.

But Mr Shannon has also criticised town planners on several occasions, and led early opposition to the proposed Coppergate re-development.

He has been proposed as a Freeman by the Gild of Freemen, who say Mr Shannon's leadership of the Civic Trust produced "a sense of pride among all walks of life in York."

"The Gild of Freemen has always been concerned with preserving history while keeping an eye on the future," said Gild Master Roger Lee.

"The Civic Trust struck that balance superbly, seeing there were things in the city that are well worth preserving without causing any hindrance to York's progress.

"Over the time of Mr Shannon's chairmanship, there have been times when he has ruffled a few feathers, but there have been just as many times when he has worked closely with those whose feathers he was ruffling.

"And above all, whatever work Mr Shannon was doing, it was always for the good of the city.

"We feel he is most deserving of being made a Freeman of York."

Councillors are to be asked for their views on the nomination at a meeting of the council's executive on Friday.

They will also discuss nominations calling for James Bond composer John Barry and Oscar-winning film star Dame Judi Dench to be made honorary Freemen of York.

Both stars hail from the city.

Updated: 10:48 Monday, October 01, 2001