Special tribute to pair who helped bring £20million investment to Hartlepool

A special tribute has been paid to two Hartlepool residents who played an important role in a multi-million pound regeneration.
Victor Tumilty, brother of Muriel Boreland, his wife Sheila, Irene Nelson, Morris wife, and their daughter Janette Cooper at the memorial stone with (back row) representatives of Hartlepool Council, Housing Hartlepool and Taylor Wimpey North-East.Victor Tumilty, brother of Muriel Boreland, his wife Sheila, Irene Nelson, Morris wife, and their daughter Janette Cooper at the memorial stone with (back row) representatives of Hartlepool Council, Housing Hartlepool and Taylor Wimpey North-East.
Victor Tumilty, brother of Muriel Boreland, his wife Sheila, Irene Nelson, Morris wife, and their daughter Janette Cooper at the memorial stone with (back row) representatives of Hartlepool Council, Housing Hartlepool and Taylor Wimpey North-East.

A memorial stone has been unveiled at the recently-completed Headway development, off Raby Road, to recognise the contributions of Muriel Boreland and Morris Nelson.

Prior to their deaths in 2009 and 2005, respectively, the community stalwarts worked tirelessly to ensure the resident-led scheme –which has seen almost 300 low-demand obsolete terraced properties replaced with 183 new modern family homes – was delivered successfully.

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The memorial stone has been designed and placed on the site by developers Taylor Wimpey who worked in partnership with Hartlepool Council, Housing Hartlepool and the Homes and Communities Agency following a successful Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) in respect of the site in 2007.

The inscription reads: “This memorial stone is to honour the memory of Muriel Boreland & Morris Nelson who both worked tirelessly for the benefits of the residents of the Raby Estate of Hartlepool”.

John Driver, land and planning director with Taylor Wimpey North East, said: “Along with our partners, we are proud of our role in regenerating this area of North Hartlepool. It is only right that the determination of Muriel Boreland and Morris Nelson is recognised and lives on for future generations to see.”

Coun Kevin Cranney, chair of Hartlepool Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, said: “The memorial is well deserved recognition for Muriel and Morris who committed so much of their time to working in the interests of residents of this area.

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“It is sad that they are no longer with us, but I’m pleased that members of their families were able to be present at the unveiling of the memorial stone to witness the high regard in which both of these remarkable people continue to be held.”

The Headway development has attracted some £20 million of private invest in the town.