Bedworth road renamed to honour fallen soldier

A road in Bedworth town centre is being renamed in honour of a local fallen soldier.

Bedworth-born Sergeant Simon Valentine died in action in Afghanistan in August 2009, and councillors agreed this year that his name should be honoured by renaming a stretch of the town centre’s Rye Piece Ringway.

A section of the ring road from King Street roundabout to the Coventry Road will be renamed in his memory.

Sergeant Valentine’s mother Carol performed the official unveiling of the new road name at the town’s Peace Podium outside Miners’ Welfare Park with the ceremony, which starts at noon today.

She said:

“The family of Sergeant Simon Valentine is extremely proud of the honour bestowed up on his memory in the renaming of the town’s ring road, in recognition of the sacrifice he made for Queen and Country.

“We are extremely grateful to all those involved to enable such a poignant road that plays a major role in the town’s Armistice and Remembrance parades to be renamed.’’

The event - taking place today - will see wreaths laid at the Peace Podium as part of the ceremony.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Leader, Cllr Kris Wilson, said:

“Sergeant Valentine gave his life in the service of his country. It is only fitting that we permanently honour his memory in his hometown.

“I am especially pleased that Sergeant Valentine’s mother Carol will be part of the ceremony.

“It is right that Bedworth, the town that never forgets, should honour him fully on this day.”

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