Plan for George Best statue set to be approved

Plans to erect a permanent memorial to George Best in the grounds of Belfast City Hall are set to receive unanimous support tonight…

Plans to erect a permanent memorial to George Best in the grounds of Belfast City Hall are set to receive unanimous support tonight.

We have agreed there should be a lasting tribute or memorial, now the officers want to discuss this with the family to hear their views
Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Rodgers

Councillors have already backed a proposal to erect a statue or sculpture honouring the footballing legend.

With the tribute expected to cost £100,000, the scheme must gain approval at the authority's monthly meeting.

But Jim Rodgers, an Ulster Unionist councillor who suggested the memorial, stressed no dissent was expected.

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He said: "It's now up to the family themselves. They are the key people, not the elected members.

"I have spoken to George's father Dickie, and he thinks it's a wonderful idea.

"Officers will take them to have a look at the grounds and discuss what they feel would be best to remember George."

The surge in affection for the soccer icon, particularly in his home city of Belfast, has shown no sign of relenting since his funeral a month ago.

George Best playing for Manchester United
George Best playing for Manchester United

A thousand people a day are still believed to be visiting Best's grave in the Castlereagh Hills overlooking the streets where he was raised.

The ex-Manchester United great was buried in a plot beside his mother Ann.

In an attempt to protect Roselawn Cemetery from any damage as fans continue to make their pilgrimages, efforts have been stepped up to find a lasting tribute to the star.

Mr Rodgers insisted that any statue would only be erected at City Hall if the family agreed to the plans, but he believed a site right in front of the building would be perfect.

"We have agreed there should be a lasting tribute or memorial, now the officers want to discuss this with the family to hear their views."