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More on KentOnline
Plans to name a town centre underpass after Captain Sir Tom Moore have been abandoned.
A previous motion suggested naming the subway in Townwall Street, Dover, 'Sir Tom Moore Way' and the nearby stairs 'Duke of Edinburgh Steps'.
But a new bid is calling for the whole area to be named after the late Prince Philip instead.
It comes after Captain Sir Tom's family revealed they do not want his name to be used for locations he did not have strong connection too after receiving dozens of requests to name something in his honour.
A plan to re-name Market Square, soon to undergo a multi-million pound renovation, after Queen Elizabeth II, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations next year has also emerged.
The name changes will be discussed at Dover District Council's (DDC) full meeting of the council tonight.
The idea comes from Dover town councillor Graham Wanstall, who will submit a question to leader Cllr Trevor Bartlett.
Cllr Wanstall will ask: "Regarding H.M The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year having earlier been confronted with a lack of interest for a name change within Dover, I have considered this further and after consulting others propose new namings.
"The Market Square is to undergo changes so we have an excellent opportunity to mark the Queen’s special jubilee naming it 'Queen Elizabeth II Square' which I now propose to you.
"When we met at the subway earlier this year I proposed we call the subway 'Captain Tom Moore' and the steps 'Prince Philip Steps' to reflect the fact H.R.H. gave so many youngsters a step up in life.
"You supported both ideas!
"Now we know Captain Tom’s family do not want his name to be used I propose we call the subway and steps 'Prince Philip Way' as we did with 'Dame Vera Lynn Way' which proved popular."
Cllr Wanstall says that having Queen Elizabeth II Square and Prince Philip Way would see the husband and wife "side by side as they were for so long in life".
He adds: "I ask that Dover District Council demonstrate civic leadership by permanently marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as these proposals are appropriate to do and popular with the public for our two much loved and respected royals. God save the Queen!"
Captain Sir Tom won the nation's heart last April when he raised £32.79 million by walking 100 lengths of his garden for NHS Charities Together.
He did it during the first coronavirus lockdown, over 24 days up to his 100th birthday on April 30.
The Second World War veteran died on February 2 this year after suffering both Covid-19 and pneumonia.
Prince Philip died in April, just weeks ahead of his 100th birthday.
Cllr Bartlett had previously supported the idea of naming the steps and subway after the two national treasures.
This is not the first time Cllr Wanstall has proposed name changes.
In 2019 he succeeded in having a plaque erected for the victims of the 1977 Crypt Restaurant fire at Bench Street. Seven people were killed in the tragedy.
Last October he was again supported by Cllr Bartlett in his campaign to name a footpath along the White Cliffs of Dover after Dame Vera Lynn.
This is the route from Athol Terrace to the top at Langdon.
Dame Vera, the Second World War Forces' Sweetheart, was famous for the 1942 song (There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover.
She died last June aged 103.
In January Cllr Bartlett also agreed to examine Cllr Wanstall's idea of naming a road after the Unknown Warrior.
This is Station Approach Road in Dover.
The body of the anonymous First World War soldier was transported in 1920 from the Western Front via Dover for burial at Westminster Abbey in London.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will take place from June 2 to 5, 2022 and will mark 70 years since her accession to the throne.
