Memorial plans for former Bridgnorth mayor

Discussions have been opened to create a permanent memorial for Norman Cottrell, a man described as having "Bridgnorth running through his veins".

Mr Cottrell died on May 19, aged 78.

Simon Cawdell, the vicar of St Mary's Church, said: "There was a moving passage read out at Norman's funeral by his close friend, Adrian Tacchi.

"It recalled how Norman was standing at the top of the steps on The Grove having just heard his father had died following a motorbike accident.

"There was a part where he saw his mother being consoled by his aunt and it was at that stage he knew he would never see his father again.

"It just struck me that he was so much a resident of this town and knew those steps so well it might be appropriate to name them after him."

Councillor David Cooper, Mayor of Bridgnorth, said he supported the suggestion of a street or public path being named after Mr Cottrell.

"A particular suggestion was the steps leading from Bernards Hill to Morfe Road," he said.

"We have been asked to explore the possibility of naming those steps, a street or another thoroughfare in the town."

Town councillor Ron Whittle said it was an excellent idea and Shropshire Council should also be approached for a contribution.

"Norman served on the Bridgnorth District Council for several years before it was swallowed up by the authority," he said.

Bridgnorth Town Council also agreed to give £100 to the RNLI and the League of Friends of Bridgnorth Hospital in memory of Mr Cottrell during a meeting on Tuesday.