A STREET in a new development in Brierley Hill has been named in memory of a much-loved teacher who died in the early part of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new development on the site of the former Stokes Forgings metal works site, has seen a road named Kate Fox Drive in memory of popular teacher Kate Fox, who worked at Thorns Collegiate Academy in Quarry Bank for more than 20 years.

Kate tragically passed away on April 2 after being admitted to hospital and diagnosed with Covid-19.

The development, off Cochrane Road, is part of Midland Heart’s partnership with Countryside, which will deliver 1,000 affordable homes across the Midlands.

Terri McDonald, project manager at Midland Heart, said: “Last year was a difficult year for many of us and I wanted to find a way to pay tribute and say thank you to local key workers who had lost their lives during the pandemic. After speaking with Kate’s family and the local authority, we thought this would be a fitting way to leave a lasting memory in the local area and to pay our respects to Kate.”

Nikki Ashley, Kate’s wife, said: “This is a very fitting tribute to Kate as she was a history teacher, and we are sure she would have been so proud to be remembered in this way.”

Manny Kelay, principal at Thorns Collegiate Academy, added: “Kate was a much-loved member of staff, who was well respected by students and colleagues. "The road sign is a fantastic tribute to her and means that her name will be known by our local community for years to come.”

The new development comprises 132 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and family homes, and the first 12 residents moved in this week.

Adam Daniels, managing director for the West Midlands at Countryside, said the project aims to transform the brownfield site into high quality homes for shared ownership or affordable rent and he added: “It feels appropriate that the first homes to be completing here should be on a road named after someone who gave so much to the local community.”