Chesterfield council has ‘no plans’ to change street names after concerns raised

Following Black Lives Matter protests around the world last summer, the authority announced it would look at street names across the borough.

MORE: How a Chesterfield company helped a covid test centre volunteer after thieves stole his bike

The council has now revealed that a ‘very small number’ of street names ‘have associations with the transatlantic slave trade and/or colonialism through significant historical figures’.

“This includes three roads named after Boer War generals – Lord Roberts Road, Redvers Buller Road and Baden Powell Road in the Birdholme area of Chesterfield,” a council report states.

The report also reveals that members of the public raised concerns with the council about the street names Rhodes Avenue in Newbold and Rhodesia Road in Brampton.

Rhodesia – now Zimbabwe – was named after Cecil Rhodes, the controversial imperialist.

But according to the report: “There is a weight of evidence that these particular street names were named for William Rhodes, the former mayor of Chesterfield, alderman and freeman of the borough.

“William Rhodes was a developer and builder but also one of the most prominent borough councillors in the inter-war period, driving forward a number of large private and public housing schemes.”

The council has confirmed it does not have any plans to change street names at this point.

The report describes renaming streets as a ‘lengthy and complicated legal process to complete’ and includes consulting with residents and businesses on the road.

Any name change would ‘affect residents and businesses in many ways’ as they would have to update personal records with organisations like, for example, utility companies, banks and the DVLA.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the council, has also confirmed the authority will ‘soon be asking for people’s views on how we should best celebrate key figures, organisations, historical events and communities that have shaped our borough’.

She added: “Our borough has a long and proud history – ranging from its origins as a Roman fort through to mining and industry.

“Through our planned public consultation we hope to capture as many different views as possible and I would encourage people to take this opportunity to shape our future commemorations.”

MORE: Pfizer Covid vaccine could increase antibodies up to 20 times – and may stop transmission

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.