Memories of a fallen Teesside soldier are set to live on in Middlesbrough after a road on a new estate was named in his honour.
The sign for Corporal Roberts Close was unveiled today in memory of Corporal Andrew Roberts from Hemlington, who died in Helmand Province on May 4 2012 aged 32 during his second tour of Afghanistan.
The road is situated in Hemlington between Stainton Way and Hemlington Hall Academy - Andrew’s former primary school.
Andrew’s family and friends, including his parents, Stephen, 59 and Pauline 63, attended the unveiling which was done by Andrew’s nieces and nephews.
Stephen said: “This means a lot. Not just to us but to the whole family.
“I am going to walk this way to the shop every day.
“Andrew would have been chuffed to bits. This would have been the icing on the cake for him.”
Middlesbrough Mayor, Ray Mallon attended the event. He said: “The Afghan war has been particularly brutal. As a country we have lost many servicemen, two of who are from Middlesbrough. They lost their livers fighting for freedom and democracy.
“I think it is very important that we remember Corporal Andrew Roberts and Squadron Sergeant Major Charlie Wood and therefore fitting memorials should be located within the town.
“I can’t think of a greater sacrifice than a soldier laying down their life for the country and that is exactly what Corporal Roberts and Sergeant Wood did.
“This has been a traumatic experience for Stephen and Pauline Roberts, the parents of Andrew and I know that they get great comfort from the support they have received. Today’s memorial assists with them coming to terms with their tragic loss.
“There will be a similar memorial for Sergeant Wood. I am hoping that we will have other memorials closer to the Cenotaph to remember these brave soldiers as well as other soldiers we have lost in other conflicts since World War Two.”
Andrew left behind his three children Jessica, Kyle and Kayla and his girlfriend, Paula Ewers. He also left brothers Mark, Darren and Michael and sisters Tracey and Emma.
A covenant will be placed on the land once it has been adopted by Middlesbrough Council. This means that whatever happens to the road in years to come, the name ‘Corporal Roberts Close’ will always be attached to the land.
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