Liverpool heritage campaigner Gabriel Muies is to become a Citizen of Honour of Liverpool.
The 73-year-old’s work in campaigning for the re-opening of the Williamson Tunnels, and also his contribution to the return of the Henry Pooley gates to the city last year have being recognised by Liverpool city councillors.
Mr Muies, who lives in Dingle, received the surprise news in a letter from council chief executive Ged Fitzgerald.
Regeneration cabinet member Cllr Malcolm Kennedy told JMU Journalism: “Gabriel is well deserving of this honour. I was involved with him in the return of the Pooley Gates as he campaigned for their return.”
Mr Muies founded The Joseph William Society, which raised £750,000 in grants put towards their restoration, allowing for the reopening of the historic tunnels in 2001. He also helped ensure the gates of the former sailors’ home on Paradise Street were returned to Liverpool just last year.
Liverpool City Council paid around £30,000 to buy and restore the gates, which now stand in Liverpool One, around where they were originally based.
Mr Muies told the Liverpool Echo: “I am very proud to be receiving this honour, and accept it on behalf of all the seamen and women of Liverpool.”