A brand new road has been officially named Herbie Higgins Close, as a tribute to the local community leader who was dedicated to improving the lives of Toxteth residents.
Gleeson Homes made the special tribute to Herbie on the road which forms the latest phase of their Cawdor Park housing development in Granby.
Herbie, who died in 2011 age 89, was instrumental in opening the first Merseyside Caribbean Centre and setting up the Liverpool Branch of the Community Relations Centre. He was awarded an MBE in 1996 for outstanding community service.
Members of Herbie’s family joined councillors and Gleeson officials for the street naming which honours the local hero’s huge contribution to the Toxteth community.
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Ann O’Byrne, said: “Herbie Higgins was a community leader in every sense, a man who dedicated his life to helping others.
“He made a huge contribution for more than 50 years, working tirelessly to improve lives, support those in need, and maximise opportunities for local people. This work will never be forgotten by the community, or the city, and his legacy lives on. I’m delighted he is being honoured in this way.”
Princes Park ward councillor Anna Rothery – who made the request for Mr Higgins’ contribution to the community to be honoured through the street naming – said: “Herbie Higgins’ work, over five decades, touched the lives of many, and blazed a trail for others working for equality and diversity. His list of achievements is endless, including his role in establishing the first Merseyside Caribbean Centre.
“He continues to be missed by all those who knew him, and the work he did to transform lives means he will always be remembered.
“It’s wonderful that we can pay tribute to the mark he left on the community, through this street naming. It is a fitting honour for a remarkable man.”
Gleeson’s commitment to local communities is focused through its Community Matters programme which offers apprenticeship schemes, jobs for local people and sponsorship opportunities for local junior sports teams. The housebuilder has also worked with the local school to design a bedroom in the show home.
Gleeson Sales Manager Linda Matura said: “Herbie Higgins was a local celebrity in these parts and obviously made a huge contribution to the community. We are delighted we can honour Herbie at Cawdor Park. It only feels right that he will be remembered by generations to come through this road.
“Gleeson is dedicated to improving local communities through the construction of new homes which are affordable for local people who might otherwise be unable to get onto the property ladder. A new two bedroom home on this developments costs from as little as £80 per week to buy with the Government’s Help to Buy scheme which is often cheaper than privately renting in this area”
For more information on the Cawdor Park development, visit www.gleeson-homes.co.uk
Image: Cllr Anna Rothery (far left) and Cllr Ann O’Byrne (far right) join Herbie Higgins’ family members and Gleeson staff for the official unveiling.