Fallen heroes could have streets named after them

Published Monday 21 May 2018

Local soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I could be commemorated by having streets named after them.

As part of its plans to mark the centenary of the end of World War I Harborough District Council is asking residents to put forward names of local soldiers who fought and died during The Great War with a view to naming local streets after them.

A poppy motif would also be included on the street name sign in any streets named after local soldiers, during the year of commemoration, signifying the significance of the street name.

Councillor Neil Bannister, Leader of the Council, said: “We want this to be a lasting memorial to local people who died serving their country. In order to ensure this is done sympathetically, and with the full support of family members, we are asking the public to nominate the names of relatives for consideration.”

Earlier this month, parish councils were invited to install decorative metal benches, part-funded by the council, which commemorate the end of World War I.

The council is also marking the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act which, for the first time, gave women the right to vote and said it would also consider naming streets after any local women who were instrumental in this movement.

The council said it cannot guarantee that all nominations will be used, as there may not be suitable street naming opportunities available, and any street naming application is subject to a consultation process prior to street names being agreed.   Where the Council is proposing to use a nomination those parties who are signatories to the nomination will be included in the consultation process and no roads will be named contrary to their wishes.

Nominations of local soldiers can be made by completing the nomination form, available online at www.harborough.gov.uk/streetnaming