The mum of a Kirkby soldier killed in action in Afghanistan has visited a new Ashfield District Council housing site named in his honour.

Diane Sheldon said it was a great honour for the 16-homes development on Central Avenue to be called Adrian Sheldon View.

“The name is perfect because of where it is,” she said. “For myself, my husband, Mark Sheldon, and daughter, Amy, it is a place for us to reflect.

“All of the family live locally and some of his friends who are away with the Armed Forces do come and see us when they are back.”

Rifleman Adrian Sheldon was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.

The council has been in discussions with the family to find the perfect spot for a street to be named in his memory.

Central Avenue is close to where Adrian attended school and grew up. It is also close to the cenotaph that bears his name and Kingsway Cemetery, his final resting place.

“It’s a great honour and something for our family to be proud of,” added Diane. “It keeps Adrian’s memory alive.

“I have talked at length with the council about plans to build social housing, with the street being named after Adrian.

“Adrian was quite shy, but a very generous, loving, and kind person. He was very close to his family and had some great friends in and out of the Army.

“He socialised when he could, but when he got home he wanted to chill out.

“He was close to his sister, Amy, and it is sad that he never got to meet her daughter, Annabella, but we make sure she knows all about her Uncle Adrian.

“Losing Adrian was a massive loss to all of his friends and family. It has been 15 years now and we still keep his memory alive.”

The council is building 16 new properties on the site, including two and three-bedroom houses, with the work likely to be completed by autumn 2026.

Council leader Coun Jason Zadrozny said: “I’ve been talking to Diane for a number of years about honouring Rifleman Adrian Sheldon in the place he grew up.

“I am delighted we have now found the perfect spot, a special place to Adrian and his family. It will be a place where his family and friends can remember him and it is an honour for us to be able to respect his memory in this way.

“This will ensure that future generations will know the name Adrian Sheldon and the sacrifice that he made for his country.”

The new street has been completely cleared of vegetation and derelict garages have been demolished ahead of the building work starting.

These new homes will have increased insulation in the walls and floor, a gas boiler that is hydrogen ready, solar panels that will supply approximately 30% of electric use and electric vehicle charging ports.