THE sacrifice of Sapper Jordan Rossi, the first Bradford soldier to be killed in Afghanistan could soon be recognised with a new road named in his honour.

Sapper Rossi, of Baildon, was 22 when he died in a bomb blast five years ago while clearing mines near Sangin, Helmand Province.

Councillor Debbie Davies is proposing the access road to the Buck Lane development site, Baildon should be named “Sapper Jordan Rossi Park” and her suggestion already has the approval of the young soldier’s family.

“I met his mother Theresa shortly after his death and thought then it would be nice if he could be remembered in his home town in some way,” Cllr Davies (Con, Baildon) said.

“His sacrifice certainly deserves to be recognised and so I have proposed naming the road to the new business park development off Otley Road.”

Speaking on behalf of the Rossi family, Cllr Davies added: “I have spoken with his family and while they are not people to court publicity, they are thrilled by, and supportive of this idea.”

The road in question enters the business park from Otley road and will then loop its way around industrial units which are hoped to contain hi-tech industries as the site develops.

The idea will go before a meeting of the Shipley Area Committee on June 25.

The officer’s report notes that Bradford Council leader Dave Green and chief executive Tony Reeves have already been consulted and raised no objections.

Explaining her proposal, Cllr Davies writes in the report: “The reasons for my nomination are because Sapper Jordan Rossi of 25 Field Squadron, 38 Engineer Regiment was killed while serving in Afghanistan on May 23, 2009, following an explosion near Sangin in Helmand province.

“Jordan was just 22 and from Baildon.

“His family still live in Baildon and fully support his memory being honoured by naming a street after him.”

Because the Area Committee needs to have an alternative name to consider before choosing to dedicate the street to Sapper Rossi, the alternative of “Buck Fields Park” has been proposed.

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Roger L’Amie is also chairman of the British Legion’s Baildon Branch, gave his support to Cllr Davies’ proposal.

“Providing it is acceptable to Sapper Rossi’s family and close friends I think it seems as good a way as any to commemorate the young fellow,” Cllr L’Amie said.

“It would make for a pretty permanent memorial and probably be there for at least 50 years.

“Even if the site were ever to be redeveloped, there would be no need to change the street name.

“I think it’s a very appropriate idea.”