New Housing Development Named After Brothers Who Died During WW1

A new affordable housing development in Market Harborough has been named after two local war veterans.

Sturgis Road honours brothers Ben and Samuel Sturgis from Great Bowden, who lost their lives during Word War One.

The brothers’ great niece was among those at the opening ceremony of the 25 new homes off Leicester Road, built by housing association Platform.

The opening ceremony of Sturgis Road

The Sturgis brothers lost their lives in the conflict in 1918 and their great niece Di Evans accepted a specially commissioned plaque marking their lives, that will be added to the road sign.

Di said: “We nominated Sam and Ben for the road naming as a local family who have been part of the area for many years and we’re absolutely delighted that the Sturgis name was chosen and will live on at this superb development.

“It makes us feel very proud everytime we pass the road.”

As part of the day, residents Natalie and Dan Irvine invited visitors in to see their 5 bedroom home, which was adapted for their family to help with mobility issues.

Dan and Natalie said: “We previously lived on a busy road in a much smaller house which had become unsuitable for our family situation so to have the opportunity to live here has been brilliant; Platform helped us with aids and adaptations fitted throughout the house from grab rails to seat aids. The space and layout has benefited all the family and given us peace of mind for the future.”

The development represents almost three years of work by the housing group and Harborough District Council, including the successful relocation of residents from the old buildings on the site.

Elizabeth Froude, Group Chief Executive of Platform Housing Group said “Today was about seeing the families whose lives we’ve been able to improve through offering affordable housing options like the ones on display here.

“We thank our partners for their hard work and look forward to working in partnership again in the future to deliver more beautiful homes and places for many more people to live in.”