Road name plea for Darwen war heroine (From This Is Lancashire)

Road name plea for Darwen war heroine

10:25am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Dan Clough, Reporter

A ROYAL British Legion stalwart has called for a permanent memorial to war heroine Sigrid ‘Gusta’ Green, who died last week aged 91.

During the Second World War Miss Green spied on the German production of ‘heavy water’, used in the production of the atom bomb, in Norway because of her bi-lingual background.

Stephen Potter, who organises the annual Poppy Appeal for the Darwen branch of the organisation, said naming a street after the former spy would be ‘apt’.

He said: “She lived in Darwen and served her country in a tremendous way.

“They could name a street after her on one of the new estates they are building in the town.

“I think her name should go on the war memorial as well, although costings could be an issue with that. But naming a road after her would be very apt, and easy to do. I intend to raise the idea at next week’s meeting of the Royal British Legion.”

Darwen Lions president Kevan Jennings said the Lions would back the call.

He said: “I knew Sigrid well and I could have sat there for hours listening to her stories.

“I think a permanent memorial should be erected to her.

“She did this country a great service and we would certainly give our backing to naming a road after her in the town.”

Sudell councillor Paul Browne said: “She lived in my ward and she was a lovely woman.

“I would 100 per cent back the idea of naming a road after her.”

Sigrid’s funeral is at Pleasington Crematorium in Blackburn today at 10.30am. Family flowers only are requested but donations to Moggies cat rescue centre can be made, via Scales Funeral Service, Darwen Street, Blackburn.