Best memorial given the go ahead

Plans to build a memorial for the late George Best have been given the go ahead at a meeting in Belfast last night.

The proposal received unanimous support from councillors who had already backed the scheme to recognise the outstanding contribution the soccer legend made to sport in Northern Ireland.

In order for the project to go ahead, it had to be endorsed by Belfast City Council and as no comments were made about the motion during the authority's monthly meeting, it was therefore passed without opposition.

George Best, a former European Footballer of the Year, is expected to be immortalised by means of either a statue or sculpture, which is rumoured to be given pride of place in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.

Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Rodgers, who has backed the creation of a memorial, believes that he knows exactly where it should be placed. He said: "Right at the front there's a circular area with grass and there's a number of memorials there, there's plenty of space.

"I think that would be an ideal location. I have got to stress it's entirely up to the Best family, we want to meet their wishes."

Mr Rodgers added: "George Best was an icon, he united our divided society here in Northern Ireland. He was the finest soccer player that Northern Ireland has ever produced and was one of the best in the world."

A spokesperson for Belfast City council has said that there has been no definite decision made as yet, as to how the footballing icon is to be remembered, and discussions will be held with the Best family.

He said that the council hope "to meet with members of the best family to discuss the most appropriate manner for which the council could recognise the contribution which Mr Best had made to the sporting life of Northern Ireland."

(EF/SP)