Arlesey roads to be named in memory of local WW1 soldiers

Poppies were laid on the gravestones of the local WW1 fallen (Image: Archant)

The initiative – which will see the roads on the Portland development behind Hitchin Road named after the fallen – is part of the Arlesey Remembers You project, a scheme to commemorate all 87 men from the the town who died in the conflict.

The idea to name the streets after Arlesey war heroes came from a member of the community, with Albone Avenue the first to be chosen – three men with that surname died during the Great War, with another having the last name Albon.

The original aim of the Arlesey Remembers You project was to lay a poppy across the graves of each of the war heroes listed on the war memorial, something which was achieved last year.

Steering group member Chris Gravett said: “The Arlesey Remembers You project has really brought the community together, as hundreds of people have got involved. People have contributed different ideas of ways to remember the fallen.”

Jim Bowskill with his uncle's cross (Image: Archant)

Councillor Ian Dalgarno, who represents Arlesey on Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “I know a lot of people in the community fully support the great work done by the fantastic group Arlesey Remembers You.

“I think it’s important that people remember the sacrifice that our forefathers made, and we should remember them in different ways.

“There are plans to build 1,000 homes in Arlesey as part of the local plan, so hopefully the road naming initiative will continue in future housing projects.”

In December, a documentary by filmmaker Jodie Gravett was made and aired on the Community Channel to highlight the progress of the project, which saw people travelling as far as Israel and Iraq to lay small crosses with poppies attached.

You can find out more about the Arlesey Remembers You project by visiting their website at www.arleseyremembersyou.org.uk.