Corby Council names social housing after late councillor

The son of a campaigning Corby councillor says she would have been delighted a social housing scheme has been named in her honour.

Corby Council has named its new row of four flats at Wilby Close after Cllr Mary Butcher, who died last year.

Her son Lee said he is proud of the accolade given posthoumously to his mother who was known for her work in standing up for the vulnerable, especially domestic abuse survivors.

Dr Butcher, who went to Lodge Park Secondary School before pursuing an academic career, said: “I am very proud that the council has chosen to name this new social housing after Mary.

"I know how proud she was that Corby was building new council houses for those in need.

"She would have been delighted to receive this honour.”

This regeneration project saw the demolition of 12 disused garages replaced with a block of four modern, one bedroom flats.

The project was funded by Right to Buy Receipts and the four new homes will add to the Council’s housing stock bringing the total number of new properties built by Corby Council to 246 since 2010.

Corby Council’s lead member for neighbourhood and housing, Cllr Bob Eyles, said at the name unveiling earlier this month: “It’s great news that this latest project is now complete and tenants can settle into their new homes.

"Not only have we achieved more housing, which is one of Corby’s highest demands, we’ve also left a long lasting tribute to Mary Butcher who was passionate about and did a lot for the borough.

“Thank you to all involved in pulling this latest regeneration project together.”

The cost to build the four flats was in the region of £700,000.

Mary Butcher joins other respected councillors such as Tom Sykes and Jimmy Kane who have been remembered by having Corby infrastructure named after them.