Salford will pay a further tribute to heroic taxi driver Alan Henning by naming a major road in his honour.

The Salford Western Gateway, the one-mile dual carriageway which connects the A57 Liverpool Road in Salford and Trafford Way to the east of the M60 in Trafford will be named Alan Henning Way. Salford City Council is working with to complete the final process of adoption and the road will be formally named in the near future.

Barbara is delighted with the decision.

“Alan was a local hero and local people wanted a tribute to him, knowing that he had given his life taking aid to children and families in need in Syria.

It is right that the city of Salford is naming a road after Alan and people in Salford and across the UK will be pleased with this tribute to his compassion and generous spirit”

City Mayor Paul Dennett said once the road is in public ownership it will be “an honour” to name it in tribute to Alan.

“The new road was chosen for several reasons. It is a vital, international distribution link and an essential part of the Port Salford scheme. As the port continues to grow, Alan Henning Way will become an even more important gateway to Salford.

“There is so much of Alan in that – a man who was a vital part of humanitarian aid missions and a man willing to give up his home comforts to travel internationally to distribute goods to families and children in desperate need.

“It will be an honour to see his name on the signs so that his bravery and kindness are never forgotten.”

In 2016, after discussions with Alan’s family, Salford City Council created a memorial park to Alan at Eccles Recreation Ground, where people gathered to light candles and hold a silent vigil after news of his murder was revealed.

The design is based on a clock face and features a circular flower bed with yellow flowers and plants, wooden sleepers painted yellow and two granite boulders bearing memorial plaques to recall to the yellow ribbons that were used to show solidarity with Alan’s family during his captivity and after he was murdered. A family headstone at Eccles Parish Church also bears his name.

Google maps link to road: https://goo.gl/maps/FtKdypu3bEUKH1QaA