Hero soldier Nicky could have road named after him (From Thurrock Gazette)

Hero soldier Nicky could have road named after him

8:00am Monday 4th March 2013 in News

ROADS may be renamed after servicemen killed serving their country on the front line.

Thurrock Council is considering renaming one after Lance Corporal Nicky Mason who was killed in Afghanistan in 2008.

The Government supports a suggestion from Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy that local authorities rename streets in honour of war heroes killed in the line of duty.

Barking and Dagenham Council has already implemented the idea, creating Tony Rawson Way and and Martin Kinggett Gardens in tribute to soldiers lost in Afghanistan.

Mr Murphy suggested other councils should approach bereaved families in their areas to see if they would like a street named after their loved one.

Lance Cpl Mason, 26, of Aveley, was killed in an explosion as he tried to protect a power station at Kajaki in Helmand Province in September 2008 while serving with the Parachute Regiment.

Nicky’s dad, Dennis Mason, set up the Lance Corporal Nicky Mason Memorial Fund, which redistributes money raised to other charities such as the Parachute Regiment.

He said: “It is always nice to have a memorial. “There is a saying ‘out of sight, out of mind’ but if things came forward more people would start to recognise it. “The response Nicky had has been incredible. It is nice to see people supporting things.”

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said: “The leader and deputy leader of Thurrock Council are aware that other authorities are developing plans along these lines.

“We believe it is an appropriate way to commemorate local service personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

“The council will be looking at these proposals more closely in the coming weeks and months.”

Cllr Terry Cutmore, leader of Rochford District Council, said: “At the moment, street naming in the district is led by suggestions from developers.

“Councillors may suggest to developers that the naming of streets after those from the armed forces who have given their lives in the service of their country is something they should consider.”