Fordbridge road named after well-known community champion

RECOGNITION: Catherine McLaughlin and Winnie Collins
visit the newly-named Collins Way, in Fordbridge.

A NEW road has been named in honour of a man who was involved in local politics for more than half a century.
Collins Way, in Fordbridge, recognises the remarkable contribution of Eric Collins; the first man from the north of the borough to be made Mayor of Solihull.
Coun Collins started his political career shortly after the Second World War, first elected as a councillor in Birmingham.
In 1969 he became a founding member of Chelmsley Wood Labour Party and later served on Solihull Council, being installed as Mayor in 1979.
He twice held a seat on Fordbridge Town Council, finally stepping down in 2012. He passed away the following year.
His widow Winnie was invited to the official naming of the road, which forms part of a new housing development. She said that her late husband would have been greatly honoured by the gesture.
Catherine Mclaughlin, Chairman of Fordbridge Town Council, added: "It is a real pleasure to be able to commemorate Eric like this; he was an inspirational man who contributed greatly to this area.
"When Solihull Council asked us if we had any suggestions for a new road name we jumped at the chance to put Eric’s name forward."