Our campaign to give England star Beth Mead top local award faces vital vote
Council leaders are meeting to discuss whether the Lioness should be given Freedom of the Borough of Scarborough, following our campaign
Following Greatest Hits Radio's campaign to give Beth Mead Freedom of the Borough of Scarborough, councillors are meeting for a vital vote.
Today, party leaders from across Scarborough Borough Council will sit down to decide whether the call should be taken to the next, and potentially final, stage.
It's come after hundreds of people signed our petition, asking the council to honour Beth, following England's incredible win at the Euros last summer.
The call has also been backed by Beth's former manager at Sunderland, North Yorkshire's football teams and Scarborough and Whitby MP Sir Robert Goodwill.
Conservative councillor Heather Phillips, one of those who will attend today's meeting, said our campaign was "fantastic".
"I don't think we could have got the level of support if that petition hadn't gone out, and all the different groups you've got had helped contribute to the story that is Beth".
You can add your name to the petition here.
What is the campaign?
We need your help to make sure one of England's top football stars is given Freedom of the Borough of Scarborough.
After helping England lift it's first major trophy in more than half a century, the council has decided not to give Beth Mead Freedom of the Borough of Scarborough.
That's despite Beth becoming the tournaments joint top-scorer of all time, and even recieving an MBE from King Charles.
Now, Greatest Hits Radio has started a petition because we agree that she should be honoured for her achievements.
Who is Beth Mead?
Beth Mead is a footballer who plays as a forward for Arsenal and the England women's football team.
She grew up in Hinderwell, near Whitby, which she describes as: "the sort of place where people are outnumbered by sheep".
Beth started playing football when she was just six-years-old, joining her local side, where she says it turned out she was "rougher than most of the boys".
She quickly went on to join the youth team at Middlesbrough, before joining Sunderland, and then making a name for herself in the Women's Super League with Arsenal.
In 2021, she became the joint top-scorer of all time at the women's Euros, totalling six goals and helping the Lionesses lift the trophy.
Scarborough councillors have now been told to reconsider their decision not to award Beth Freedom of the Borough for her achievements.