Agenda item

Motion submitted by Councillor Boden regarding the naming of the Kings Dyke Crossing.

Councillor Boden said it was both a pleasure and a privilege to present this motion regarding the naming of the Kings Dyke Crossing.

He stated: “Members will be aware of the welcome progress that is being made in relation to Kings Dyke Crossing and the scheme has reached a stage where an official name is required. As the scheme falls within the boundary of Fenland District Council, we have an important role to play in that. In ordinary circumstances it would fall for example to the relevant developer to propose a name in consultation with officers. In this instance however, and having regard to the profile of this particular scheme, I am seeking your support in requesting that officers give due consideration, under the delegated authority of the Chief Finance Officer, to a suggestion that King’s Dyke Crossing is officially named ‘Ralph Butcher Causeway’. 

Whilst it is acknowledged that streets named after prominent persons are not normally considered to be suitable in Fenland, it is considered that a departure from that guiding principle would be reasonable and appropriate having regard to the significant and instrumental role that former Councillor Butcher played in securing the delivery of the scheme. Many of you will recall that he had been a tireless proponent of a King's Dyke crossing for decades.  

I am therefore proposing that King’s Dyke Crossing as it is now known should instead be named Ralph Butcher Causeway”.

Councillor Miscandlon seconded the motion and opened the motion for debate.

1.    Councillor Sutton said he fully supports this motion; he worked very closely with Councillor Butcher and had the utmost respect for him. However, he feels we are bending the rules as nobody living can have anything named after them and he had made a similar request which was rebutted. He would like to see a relaxation of rules going forward as there are people who do things in their lifetime to improve their communities with little or no recognition. He does not know if it is national regulation or our own rules that prevent that and asked if the Leader could look into this.

2.    Councillor John Clark said he fully supported this motion and would be pleased to second the motion.

3.    Councillor Mrs French said that she fully supports this motion; Councillor Butcher was always a hardworking councillor and she was sad when he retired. Addressing Councillor Sutton's comments, she said she was not sure that there is a hard and fast policy on naming streets after dead or living people. She referred to several streets in March that were named after mayors many years ago and would be happy to look into this.

4.    Councillor Patrick agreed that we do not just name streets after councillors but to recognise people within the community.

5.    Councillor Miscandlon said he served with Councillor Butcher for eight years. He was a great mentor and is a family man who is well thought of in Coates and the local area. To name the crossing the Ralph Butcher Causeway is a worthy name for the Kings Dyke Crossing and will be a fitting legacy.

The Motion was approved.