Wellington wants to keep Philip Larkin link

Wellington councillors have voted unanimously to retain a street name honouring poet Philip Larkin.

Borough council chiefs originally said Larkin Way in Wellington, named after the poet who worked at the town library from 1943 to 1946, could be re-named as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment.

The poet described his time in the town as the "most unhappy of his life", although he also said it was his most creative period.

Councillor Eric Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said Larkin Way, next to the library, had altered dramatically and a new name should therefore be considered.

But Wellington town councillors said it was imperative the name was kept.

Members voted the name should stay - but a final decision will be made by Telford & Wrekin Council at the end of a consultation period this month.

Town councillor Pat McCarthy said: "It was unanimous to keep the name Larkin Way because we hold the Literary Festival every year and it was something that we felt of.

"We are proud of the link between Philip Larkin and Wellington and we want to preserve that. Having a literary figure like that in the town is a good thing."

Councillor McCarthy add- ed there were also other suggestions mooted.

"We did think of changing it to something like Philip Larkin Way, to make it more prominent, but it was felt better to leave it. It is an absolute necessity to keep the name for the town."

Despite Larkin's negative comments about Wellington, he also said it was the "the most creative" time in his life.

Council chiefs said the road could keep its name — if that is what the public want.

But there is still time for suggestions to re-name the street as council bosses will not make a formal decision until after March 31.

Anyone interested in putting a suggestion forward can send it to bti@telford.gov.uk or by post to Corporate Communications, Civic Offices, Coach Central, Telford.

Alternatively, visit the www.facebook.com/Telford Wrekin site or www. twitter.com/TelfordWrekin

By Jason Lavan