What’s in a name ?
A new report from the New Local Government Network is calling upon council's
to commemorate local British heroes by naming public places such as streets
and parks in their name.
The report argues that by recognising the achievements of local citizens. it
will help to build community cohesion and local civic pride, whilst giving
areas a unique identity and that it shouldn't just extend to figures from
history but to contemporary figures as well such as the Mayor of Mansfield
did, in renaming the baths in Mansfield in honour of Olympic gold medallist
Rebecca Adlington.
The report also suggests that local council's should organise 'X Factor'
style public votes to re-name public spaces after local heroes, with places
like Manchester been able to consider renaming a park after a footballer
perhaps ? or a road after a famous musician such from bands such as Oasis or
the Happy Monday's.
The report also considers that local areas need not just celebrate the
achievements of famous heroes, but also commemorate the work of unsung
locals such as teachers, policemen and women or local businessmen or women
who have made a positive contribution to the area.
Such as we have already done in the past on Gamesley with the Eric Read
Community Library, named after a former County Councillor for the area, who
else would you want to see areas or facilities in the community named after
?
Any suggestions would be welcome both for areas and facilities to rename and
also for the people to rename them to.
For further information on the report go to :
www.nlgn.org.uk/public/press-releases/whats-in-a-name