Streets in Haverhill development named after wartime heroes

Housebuilder Redrow has partnered with the Haverhill Family History Group to commemorate service personnel from the area at its Great Wilsey Park development.

The roads, including English Way, Gurteen Avenue and Backler Road, honour people from Haverhill who served during the First and Second World Wars - creating a lasting tribute to preserve their stories for generations.

Pilot Officer John Vinter Gurteen (Image: Redrow)

One of the newly named roads, Gurteen Avenue, honours Pilot Officer John Vinter Gurteen.

Mr Gurteen was a Haverhill-born RAF Volunteer Reserve fighter pilot who flew with No. 504 Squadron during the Second World War.

He was killed at the age of 24 during the Battle of Britain while defending London in September 1940.

Jody Bryant, sales director at Redrow Eastern, said: "Great Wilsey Park is creating a new community for Haverhill, and it is important that the development reflects the town's heritage.

"Working with the Haverhill Family History Group has enabled us to celebrate local history in a meaningful way while creating a strong sense of place for future resident through lasting tributes."

As the development expands, Redrow plans to continue working with the Haverhill Family History Group to introduce more street names inspired by Haverhill’s military history.

Haverhill town councillor John Burns, who is also a member of the Haverhill Family History Group, said: "As Haverhill continues to grow, it's important that we don't lose sight of the people who helped shape our town's history.

"These street names provide a lasting reminder of the service and sacrifice of local men and women, ensuring their stories remain part of the community for generations to come."

Members of the history group, including secretary Charmian Thompson and Mr Burns, recently visited the development to see the new commemorative street names.

Redrow’s The Parklands at Great Wilsey Park offers three, four, and five-bedroom homes from its Heritage Collection, as well as green space, play areas and community facilities.

Prices for a three bedroom house currently start from £375,000, with Redrow offering five per cent deposit boosts or Stamp Duty Paid on selected plots.