New road names celebrate pioneering Brummies
Four pioneering Brummies are to have new roads named after them in recognition of their achievements.
And fittingly, the new road names, which will be on developments in Erdington and Selly Oak, have been signed off during Birmingham Heritage Week.
Erdington’s Rookery House development off Spring Lane, due for completion in late 2020, will include Wilberforce Way and Pugh Croft, named after William Wilberforce, who was influential in the abolition of slavery, and Margaret Pugh, one of the first female councillors in Birmingham and a supporter of women’s suffrage.
The Selly Oak Phase 5A development off Arkell Way, due for completion in December 2021, will include Cottrell Way and Varley Close, named after Mary Ellen Cottrell, the first woman councillor for Selly Oak, and Julia Varley, a trade unionist and suffragette who was awarded an OBE in 1931.
Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Birmingham City Council and chair of the Birmingham Heritage Week steering group, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to announce that we are recognising the contribution made by Brummies and adopted Brummies before us by naming new roads after them.
“It is also especially fitting that we are making this announcement during Birmingham Heritage Week, when our thoughts turn to celebrating the contributions of those who helped shape the city we know and love today through their achievements and values.
“Going forward, I want new road names in Birmingham to not only celebrate the achievements of those who came before us, but to also reflect the wonderful diversity of our city. If anyone has suggestions for someone no longer living who needs to be celebrated for their contribution to Birmingham then I would love to hear from them.”
