Big yellow wheel tribute opposite Telford tragedy spot
A giant wheel will be built opposite where a nine-year-old was killed crossing the road in Telford.
The bright yellow monument in Haybridge Road, Hadley, will be a tribute to the work done by manufacturing firm GKN Sankey as an employer and charity fundraiser in the community.
The proposal was put forward by Julie Duhra, who runs Jules Convenience Store in Haybridge Road. It had the full support of the family of nine-year-old Jayden McIvor, who was tragically killed after being hit by a car while walking along a pedestrian crossing on the road last year.
Members of Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee approved the plan, despite members of Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council objecting to the plans, saying they were insensitive. Parish councillors said it would also distract drivers, increasing the risk of further crashes and accidents.
Mrs Duhra said other members had supported it and the structure would be a sign the community was moving forward.
She said: "We had 324 signatures in support of the wheel and six letters from the community all in favour. We are moving forward as a community we are close knit community and the people come together. Without the support of the community we wouldn't have been able to do this."
Mrs Duhra said she wanted to do something to pay tribute to the work Sankey did in the community.
She said as well as providing jobs, the firm had donated thousands of pounds to worthy causes – including helping to pay for Jayden's funeral.
"Sankey is very close to the hearts of a lot of our community," she said.
"I asked Mr McIvor and spoke to lots of other people in the community. At the end of the day Sankey has always given money towards fundraising, and indeed helped towards Jayden McIvor's funeral."
Jayden's father Ross McIvor said he had written to Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council to tell them he thought the piece of art was a "very good idea".
He said: "We don't object, we think it's a very good idea. Sankeys were very supportive of us in a financial sense when Jayden died and wrote to us. Julie has taken it on her own back and done this and we are very supportive of her."
It is hoped the structure will be up by the end of the week.
