THE partner of TV presenter Richard Whiteley says he would have found it “a real hoot” to have a street named after him in Baildon.

The road, to be called Richard Whiteley Drive, will honour the former Countdown presenter as part of a development of around 70 homes being built by Bradford Council on the former Ferniehurst Primary School site.

One of its streets will be named after the presenter, who was also a newscaster for Yorkshire TV’s Calendar programme.

Mr Whiteley was born into a Bradford mill-owning family, Thomas Whiteley & Sons Eccleshill, grew up in Baildon and lived in Ilkley. He died in June 2005 aged 61, following a heart operation.

Kathryn Apanowicz, his partner of 20 years, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled.

“It was where he was brought up as a child. It’s absolutely wonderful as it is going to be there forever. I’m really, really pleased.

“I would like to thank Bradford Council for coming up with the idea.

“Richard would have been absolutely shocked, he would have said ‘why me?, they are doing that for me?’ He would have found it a real hoot.

“He was a well-known Yorkshireman who stayed in Yorkshire. I will have to go and see it for myself.

“It’s nice that people still remember him.”

The proposal was rubber-stamped after it was agreed unanimously by members of Shipley Area Committee on Wednesday, October 19.

Councillor Debbie Davies (Con, Baildon), who suggested the street naming proposal, said: “I’m delighted about that and am happy that people have supported it.

“It will put Baildon on the map for a good reason. People who watched Countdown might want to come and visit the street.”

Cllr Val Townend (Con, Baildon) said: “He was a well-known television personality.

“He lived in Baildon for many years. It’s nice to honour him.”

Cllr David Hestletine (Con, Bingley), area committee chairman, said: “He was a Yorkshireman born and bred who represented the county exceptionally well.

“It is nice to honour such a dedicated Yorkshireman.”

Mr Whiteley was educated at Giggleswick School, North Yorkshire. He joined ITV’s Calendar programme in 1968 and became host of Countdown in 1982. He received an OBE for his contribution to broadcasting in 2004.

Work is under way on the first phase of the plans for the land off Cliffe Lane West in the town, and is set to be completed in June next year. The development will include a total of 37 two and three-bedroom homes. The scheme will offer a mixture of homes for rent and for sale and includes a number of affordable properties.

A further application for the second phase of the development is being considered by council planners and features 35 two, three and four-bedroom homes.