Jimmy Savile case sparks warning over streets named after famous people – in case they turn out to be PAEDOPHILES
TOWN planners have been warned to stop naming roads after celebrities - in case they turn out to be paedophiles.
Worried council chiefs issued the advice after dozens of roads and paths had to be re-named when the horrific sex crimes of Jimmy Savile came to light.
The Local Government Association "strongly advised" councils to refrain from using celebrity names for fear of causing "ill feeling".
In a document obtained by , it added: "It avoids the possible occurrence of future information coming to light that may then taint that specific road name based on an individual and give rise to costly street rename procedures."
Among the places that have already required renaming are Savile's View in Scarborough and the Savile's Hall centre in Leeds - renamed New Dock Hall.
Panicked planners rushed to remove mention of former TV presenter Savile after he was revealed to be a serial paedophile who had preyed on children for more than 40 years.
Savile's horrendous crimes only came to light following his death, by which time dozens of roads and landmarks had been named after himBut council chiefs slammed the advice, using Trafalgar Square as an example of an area that would not exist under the guidelines.
Didcot North East Councillor Tony Harbour told The Telegraph: "Unfortunately, the likes of Jimmy Savile do happen, but very infrequently.
"Why should good men and women not be recognised because of a couple of rotten apples?”
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