New relief road could be named in honour of Trinity legend Neil Fox

Wakefield Council leader Coun Peter Box has suggested that the Wakefield Eastern Relief Road, which officially opened at the end of April, is named in honour of the sportstar.

He said: “The Wakefield Eastern Relief Road has helped to unlock land for development and ease congestion around the city. It is now time to officially name the new road.

“We are extremely proud of our district’s sporting heritage, and I feel that naming the road after Trinity legend Neil Fox MBE would be fitting tribute.

“Neil is not only one of the best ever rugby league players, but he’s a great ambassador for the city and one of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.

“It would be a great way to honour his contribution to sport and everything he has done for Wakefield.

“‘Neil Fox Way’ has a good ring to it and it would really put his achievements on the map.”

Mr Fox is one of the most prominent figures in rugby league history. He received an MBE in 1982 and was admitted into the Rugby Hall of Fame in 1988, the highest accolade the sport can bestow on a player.

In 2013, the council awarded him Freedom of the City, as an ambassador of Wakefield district, to acknowledge his outstanding contribution to sport.

Coun Box is asking for residents to have their say on the idea.

And he is also calling for people to put forward other suggestions for the naming of the road. Email [email protected] by July 3.