Latimer Road tube station could be renamed Grenfell to honour tower block fire victims

Residents request name change to pay tribute to those who died

Grenfell Tower (Getty)

A London Underground station could be renamed Grenfell in honour of the victims of the 71 people who died in the tragedy last year.

Residents have asked to change the name of Latimer Road station, the nearest tube stop to the tower block.

A request to change the name has been made to Transport for London (TfL) in a Ministry of Housing document which discussed a tribute to the victims.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan appeared to support the idea and said it was important to remember those who had died in the fire.

"When I was speaking to the family members, what was clear to me was their passion and their keenness to have a fitting tribute,” he told LBC radio. "The idea they had - and of course, we'll consult others - is to rename the station Grenfell. It's important we listen to local residents.

The Government has pledged to give bereaved families the final say on what happens to the site of the decimated tower.

Those affected by the blaze will be "given a veto on all future decisions, equivalent to a 50 per cent representative vote", the Government said.

There have been suggestions the site may be turned into a permanent memorial.

Shahin Sadafi, chair of the Grenfell United survivors' group, said the decision about the site has been “a major source of anxiety”.

"We are pleased that eight months on from the fire we finally have agreement that the bereaved, survivors and community will be at the heart of deciding the legacy of the site,” Mr Sadafi said. "We hope working together to create a fitting memorial will be part of a healing process for everyone affected."

He added: "The Government and Kensington and Chelsea Council have treated this issue with dignity and respect. We can only hope the Government applies the same seriousness to our need for truth and justice at the Inquiry, this includes listening to our requests for changes to ensure a thorough Inquiry."

"Our door will always be open for genuine cooperation on substantive issues."

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: "I am pleased that after hearing the concerns raised by the community, the Government and Kensington and Chelsea Council have confirmed there are no existing plans for the site on which the tower stands.

"I have always been clear that only by first listening to the community can we begin to rebuild their trust. This public commitment is a demonstration of us being true to that word and I am pleased we have been able to agree a way forward."