Petition to block ‘ghoulish’ plan to rename Tube station in Grenfell Tower tribute signed by 1,000 people
MORE than 1,000 people have signed a petition slamming 'ghoulish' plans to rename the Tube station nearest to Grenfell Tower.
Cathie O’Dea described the proposed tribute to the devastating blaze as “ridiculous, inappropriate, wasteful, unnecessary and tasteless”.
Community group Grenfell United, which represents survivors and bereaved families after the fire last June, requested the name change for Latimer Road Underground Station to Grenfell Station, as a fitting memorial to the 71 victims who died nearby.
But Mrs O’Dea, who says she lives in Notting Dale - the ward where Grenfell Tower stood - says the idea will just encourage ghouls.
She has started a against the proposal, where she said she would like to see “Grenfell Tower demolished as quickly as possible.”
The proposal to rename the station was revealed last month as part of a Ministry of Housing document discussing the future of the site, and a suitable tribute.
It set out how Grenfell United, residents’ group Lancaster West Residents Association, government ministers and Kensington & Chelsea Council will work together to decide what happens to the site.
At the time, Shahin Sadafi, chair of Grenfell United, said: “We hope working together to create a fitting memorial will be part of a healing process for everyone affected”.
But on her change.org petition, which was created on April 9 and has been signed by 1,357 people, Mrs O’Dea has criticised the plans.
She said: “I think I speak for many Notting Dale locals and hope that we can collectively stop this ridiculous, inappropriate, wasteful, unnecessary and tasteless idea."
She said: “We have to look at the blackened shell of Grenfell Tower every single day. We have no choice as we live here.
“It will only encourage sick and ghoulish tourists and this is very upsetting for us locals.
“I reckon at least 95 per cent feel that a memorial garden and if possible some social housing is appropriate and we would like Grenfell Tower demolished as quickly as possible so that Kensington Aldridge Academy can go back to their school and we don't have a constant reminder of that terrible night constantly looming over us and we can move on, get on with our lives, and visit a nice memorial garden to quietly reflect when we and the friends and families affected want to.
“This is a much more appropriate tribute and what the majority want.”
Supporter Lynn Swain said: “So every time there's a fire your going to change the nearest station what a load of crap, do the people of Grenfell need to be reminded of that terrible night of the fire.”
Another supporter Gillian Anderson added: “Unnecessary waste of money. There are enough reminders of this sad event.
"Look after those affected and remember Latimer Road has its own history to remember.”
And Michael Dover wrote: “I cannot think of a single reason to make this name change. If some people want a memorial to this blackened shell then a simple plaque should be sufficient with a few flowers at the base of it placed near to the site.”
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Last month, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said on LBC Radio that he supported the proposal to rename it.
He said: “I've agreed to make sure that we start consultation as soon as possible to rename this station as a fitting tribute.
"It's really important that we remember the awful fire, but also those fantastic residents that campaigned so hard since the fire to make sure that justice is done.
"When I was speaking to the family members, what was clear to me was their passion and their keenness to have a fitting tribute.
"The idea they had - and of course, we'll consult others - is to rename the station Grenfell. It's important we listen to local residents."
A spokeswoman for Transport for London said there would be a public consultation on the proposal.
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