War memorial could honour Clifton soldier

A MEMORIAL to fallen soldier Kieron Hill could be created in Clifton.

Kieron, 20, a lance corporal, was killed in an explosion while on patrol with the 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment in Afghanistan on May 28.

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Clifton for his funeral and now city council bosses want to look at the possibility of creating a permanent memorial for him, and the area's other soldiers.

The idea was discussed at the last meeting of the city council's Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale Area Committee.

Mark Hillary, area manager for Clifton, said: ''I've talked to members about the fact that we might create a war memorial as Clifton does not have one at the moment. That might be something we could work with the British Legion on.

''There are lots of ideas which we would like to talk to Kieron's family about. We want to see what they would like.

''I didn't know Kieron personally but I went to his funeral and it was incredibly emotional. The reaction from people in the area was phenomenal, there were hundreds of people there.''

Lord Mayor Jeannie Packer, who is councillor for Clifton South, said: "It's important that we give the community a way they can remember this young man and recognise his contribution.

"I went to the funeral in my capacity as Lord Mayor and it was very touching. Everyone was so proud to have known him, you could just sense it.

"The turn-out was quite something, people lined the streets."

She added it was possible the memorial could incorporate other war heroes from Clifton.

She said: "I think it's important that we do something, and it need not be just for Kieron. There may be others from Clifton that we want to remember as well." Kieron's family welcomed the proposals. His mum Vicki Holmes said: "I think it would be really good because there is nothing like that in Clifton. It's an honour."

She said the family had been overwhelmed by all the support they have had over the past few weeks.

She said: "We've had letters from the Prime Minister and Prince Charles and a huge bunch of flowers from Prince Charles."

His stepdad John Holmes said: "We want to say a big thank you to the Clifton community, too. It was really touching to see how many people wanted to turn up and pay their respects at his funeral."

Mrs Holmes said the support has helped them to get through the difficult time. She said: "It's been hard, but we are taking it a day at a time."

Mr Holmes said: "While they [the Mercians] are still over there in Afghanistan we just think he's still out there with them.

''I think it's when they come back that it will really hit us."

The couple have found some comfort in the form of their new Shih Tzu puppy, which they have named Hero in memory of Kieron.

Mrs Holmes said: "Kieron's auntie got one about two days after everything happened.

'' I was never really a dog person, but during those days he was probably the only thing that put a smile on our faces, so that's why we decided to get our own."

Kieron's auntie Jackie Hill, who has helped to organise a collection of gift parcels for soldiers still in Afghanistan said: "I think a memorial is a lovely idea.

"The response from people has been brilliant, but that's how Clifton is when things like this happen."

The family has collected more than 200 parcels of toiletries, food and other items to send to troops.

The first 120 went this week and the rest will be sent over the next few days.

The family also asked for donations to Help the Heroes instead of flowers at Kieron's funeral and have received more than £1,500.

sarah.gillett@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk