They have both served the people of Wandsworth for an incredible 40 years.

And now two dedicated councillors have been honoured for their achievements.

Councillors Tony Belton and Martin Johnson saw their four decades of public service in local Government marked this week at a special ceremony hosted by the mayor of Wandsworth Councillor Jane Cooper.

Coun Johnson was just 21 years old when first elected. He represents Northcote ward in Battersea and until recently served as cabinet member for housing where he is credited with creating the council’s Hidden Homes programme. He is currently chairman of the licensing committee.

Coun Johnson said: "It’s been a privilege to serve Wandsworth and I’m grateful to my colleagues and the residents of Northcote ward for giving me the opportunity to do so over such a long period."

Coun Belton, who represents Latchmere ward, led the Labour group for many of his 40 years and has also served as chairman of the planning and housing committees. He has been a school governor, on the trust boards or executives of local charities and has also sat as a justice of the peace.

Coun Belton said: "It has been an honour to represent Wandsworth residents in general and my Latchmere constituents in particular.

"I like to think that I have also upheld traditional Labour virtues, supporting the under-dog and doing my best to expand or maintain the services upon which they depend."

Coun Cooper, who presented the pair with commemorative scrolls, added: "We may slug it out in the council chamber and over the ballot box - but there is more that unites us than divides us. We have one great thing in common. We believe in Wandsworth. "The greatest tribute I can pay to both Martin and Tony is that you have set a path of public service for others to follow."

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