A WOODLAND beauty spot is set to be renamed in memory of long-serving councillor who helped create it .

Plans are afoot to change Stainton Wood's name in honour of Cllr Maelor Williams, who died last year aged 77 following a short illness having represented the Stainton and Thornton ward as a Liberal Democrat on Middlesbrough Council since 1999.

Following his death, it was proposed by Stainton and Thornton Parish Council that the renaming of Stainton Wood in his honour would be a fitting tribute to a man who worked tirelessly for his constituents.

The suggestion was welcomed by Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd, who despite party political differences with Cllr Williams, described him as a 'true gentleman' who well liked and respected by anyone who met him and much missed by all in the Council.

He said: “He always fought the corner of his constituents and so if those in the ward are now fighting his corner for what would be a fitting tribute I would be happy to add my voice to that and support the idea of honouring Maelor in this way.”

After joining the Liberal party aged 16, he first stood for election in Stockton more than 50 years ago before securing his seat on the council in 1999.

The decision on whether to rename Stainton Wood as Maelor’s Wood will be taken at a full meeting of Middlesbrough Council on Wednesday, May 11.

The wood is owned by Middlesbrough Council and Councillor Williams, as a governor of Tees Forest, helped plant the wood in the late 1990s.