A STREET on a new housing development could be named after the late TV presenter Richard Whiteley.

Councillor Debbie Davies has called for Mr Whiteley to be honoured as part of a development of around 70 homes being built by Bradford Council on the former Ferniehurst Primary School site, in Baildon.

If agreed, it will see one of the streets on the housing estate named after the much-loved presenter who died in 2005, aged 61.

He is best known for presenting long-running Channel 4 show Countdown.

Councillor Davies (Con, Baildon) said Mr Whiteley, who was born in Bradford, grew up in Baildon, and lived in Ilkley, was known for his “garish suits and witty and self-deprecating sense of humour”.

She added: “I have been in contact with Kathryn Apanowicz, his long-term partner, who confirmed that his family fully support his memory being honoured by naming a street in Baildon after him.”

Work is already under way on the first phase of the plans for the land off Cliffe Lane West in the town, and is due to be completed in June next year. It includes a total of 37 two and three-bedroom homes. The scheme will offer a mix of homes for rent and for sale and includes a number of affordable homes. A further application for the second phase of the development is being considered by council planners. This is for 35 two, three and four-bedroom homes.

Mr Whiteley was born into a Bradford mill-owning family, Thomas Whiteley & Sons Eccleshill. He was educated at Giggleswick School, North Yorkshire. He joined ITV’s Calendar in 1968 and became presenter and host of Countdown in 1982. He received an OBE for his contribution to broadcasting in 2004. The TV presenter died in June 2005 after a heart operation.

A decision on naming a street after Mr Whiteley will be made by Shipley Area Committee on Wednesday, October 19, from 6pm at Ian Clough Hall in Baildon.