A PETITION to Coventry council is calling for a square to be named after ‘Tile Hill Terry’, a pillar of the community who recently passed away.
The e-petition, available to sign on the council’s website, calls for the anonymous square in Jardine Crescent to be named Terry Harvey Square.
It states: “Terry Harvey (“Mr Tile Hill”; “Tile Hill Terry”) died on 3rd August 2018. He worked tirelessly and successfully without remuneration for the good of the community of Tile Hill North for most of his adult life.
“In December 2012, he was awarded Coventry’s Good Citizen Award in recognition of his great contribution to his community.
“The small square in the shopping parade in Jardine Crescent has no formal name at present. We request that the square be named as Terry Harvey Square.
“Such a man and his deeds should never be forgotten and this is the most potent way of securing his lasting memory.”
The petition has been organised by Joy Warren, chair of the Tile Hill North Residents Association.
She said: “There’s a quote by George Bernard Shaw above the supermarket in the little square. When I saw it I knew that it was the right thing to do, that is, to promote the naming of the square in honour of a man whose life truly belonged to his community.
It reads ‘I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can’.”
He could often be found updating the local notice board, mowing lawns for his elderly neighbours, or working with a young people’s group to create a well know mural in Jardine Crescent.
As a well-known local face, Mr Harvey was often invited to judge competitions and present medals to young children for their reading skills.
A stroke later affected his vision but he continued to be active, organising outings and lunches for a local group affected by strokes.
The campaign to rename the square is backed by Woodlands ward councillors Peter Male, Gary Ridley and Julia Lepoidevin.
Coun Male submitted a petition bearing 110 signatures to a meeting of full council where members agreed to consider the request.
He said: “Terry Harvey was a real one off and we’ll all miss him. He was a caring man who loved Tile Hill and in return everyone in the community loved him.
“People won’t forget him or the work he did but there should be something more permanent to mark the achievements of this special man and I can think of no better way to do than by renaming this square.”
The petition is still open for supporters to add their names on the council’s website by visiting: https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/Petitions
