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Ralph Kennedy |
Family barred from putting up memorial
RALPH Kennedy’s family has been banned by the council from putting up a plaque in his memory.
Elizabeth Kennedy, his sister, had hoped to install a plaque on the wall to mark the spot where he died on the Oakley Square estate.
She had ordered the plaque – which cost £150 – and says she had received permission from the Town Hall to put up the tribute.
She claimed she was told by Camden Council to order the plaque and call them to arrange a date. They even said Saturday would be no problem, according to Miss Kennedy.
But earlier this week Camden told her residents were against the idea. They feared the tribute would become a shrine to the Mr Kennedy, the family say they were told by Camden.
The family, who went door to door in Mayford yesterday (Wednesday) with a petition to install the tribute, believe the council are trying to keep Mr Kennedy’s death low-profile.
Camden have instead offered to pay for a “commemorative bench” in a nearby playground – which is earmarked for refurbishment and is not yet ready for the bench to be installed.
Yesterday (Wednesday) Tommy Plummer, the chairman of the tenants and residents association, revealed he had not been asked by Camden about the plaque, and he said he had not heard of concerns from residents.
It was they who suggested a commemorative area for Mr Kennedy and came up with the idea of naming the playground after him, Mr Plummer added.
He said: “All I feel is for the family.”
Speaking from the site where her brother was killed, Miss Kennedy said: “We want the plaque. It’s where my brother died. When his kids are older they can visit the exact spot.
“It’s like the council want to keep it away from everybody – ‘out of sight out of mind’.”
A council press official said: “We had some discussions with Mr Kennedy’s family about the possibility of installing a plaque.
“We are sorry if there was any misunderstanding. We’re not aware of [anyone agreeing to the plaque].”
She added: “What’s important is that there will be a fitting commemorative bench.” |
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