By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
Senior councillors will make a final decision on whether two new Ashfield streets will be named after fallen soldiers from the district.
Conservative councillors presented the plan to Ashfield District Council on Thursday (February 2).
It called for new streets to be named after two former Ashfield soldiers who died during the 2001-2021 conflict in Afghanistan.
Rifleman Adrian Sheldon, 25, from Kirkby, was killed in May 2009, while Lance Corporal Paul Sandford, from Hucknall, died in June 2007 aged 23.
However, the motion was not debated during the meeting due to a constitutional issue which meant the suggestion was classed as an “executive decision”.
This means cabinet members must have the final say on whether to take the measure forwards, meaning the motion is likely to be discussed at the February 21 cabinet meeting.
Presenting the plan, Cllrs Chris Baron and Phil Rostance (both Con), who represent Hucknall West, drew on the history and lives of the two soldiers.
They said: “Rifleman Adrian Sheldon sadly died in Afghanistan in May 2009, after 10 years of military service.
“Justifiably, his family and his regiment will never forget him.
“Equally, Lance Corporal Paul Sandford from Hucknall was tragically killed in Afghanistan after military service with the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters. He too is still sadly missed.
“Paul was educated and lived in Hucknall all his life and followed the military route of joining the local regiment.
“Adrian lived in Kirkby all his short life, and they both gave their lives to safeguard the future of others from tyranny and dictatorship.
“Adrian’s final resting place is at Kingsway cemetery, and Paul’s final resting place is in Hucknall cemetery, with a plaque erected in St Mary’s Magdalene church in Hucknall.
“As former Hucknall and Kirkby in Ashfield residents, isn’t it time to honour their lives through the naming of a street after them?”
Speaking at the beginning of the full council meeting, monitoring officer Ruth Dennis explained why there would not be a debate.
She said: “The motion was validly given in terms of the correct notice but the matter relates to an executive decision.
“As such, Cllrs Rostance and Baron will move and second that motion and they’re able to speak in relation to why they’ve raised it.
“However, there won’t be a debate. It will go immediately to cabinet for consideration.”
Cllr Baron, who presented the motion to cabinet, expressed his disappointment that no debate would be held on Thursday.
He said: “I accept in the constitution of the rules that the decision goes straight to cabinet, which is perhaps right.
“However, it would be good for cabinet members to hear the opinions of members on whether street names for soldiers who used to serve in Nottinghamshire regiments should go forward.”
In response, Cllr Jason Zadrozny (Ash Ind), the council’s leader, confirmed Cllrs Baron and Rostance will be able to attend cabinet to present the motion.
And they will be given the opportunity to speak on the motion about why it should be progressed.
He added: “If this comes as a paper to cabinet, I’m more than happy for any member to come, attend and speak on the item.
“It’s just a constitutional way of doing it but I’m very, very happy to hear your opinions.
“I want to associate myself with the sentiments of the motion. We always try to do that sort of thing and remember those who served Ashfield if we can.
“I hope we can do that quickly and appropriately, and I’m very happy to take private suggestions or conversations with any member – or leaders of opposition groups – so we can do that work in a sensitive and timely manner.”
