A new housing development on Central Avenue in Ashfield will be called Adrian Sheldon View, commemorating the life and service of a local soldier.
The 16-home project, near the cemetery where Rifleman Adrian Sheldon rests, has been named to honour his memory and his deep roots in the Ashfield community.
Rifleman Adrian Sheldon, affectionately known as “Shelly” by his comrades, served in the British Army’s 2nd Battalion, The Rifles. He lost his life in Afghanistan in 2009.
Lindum is building a mix of two and three-bedroom houses on behalf of Ashfield District Council, with the work likely to be completed by autumn 2026.
The council had been in discussions with Adrian’s mum, Diane Sheldon, for a few years to find the perfect spot for a street named in his memory. Central Avenue is near to where Rifleman Sheldon attended school and grew up. It is also close to the Cenotaph which bears his name and Kingsway Cemetery which is his final resting place.
She said: “It’s a great honour and something for our family to be proud of. It keeps Adrian’s memory alive. I have talked at length with Cllr Jason Zadrozny about plans to build social housing with the street being named after Adrian. I think the name Adrian Sheldon View is perfect because of where it is.
“For me, my husband Mark and daughter Amy, it is a place for us to reflect. All of the family live locally and some of his friends who are away with the forces do come and see us when they are back.
“Adrian was quite shy but a very generous, loving and kind person. He was very close to his family and had some great friends in and out of the Army. He socialised when he could but when he got home he wanted to chill out.
“Losing Adrian was a massive loss to all of his friends and family. It has been 15 years now and we still keep his memory alive.”
Edward Chambers, Co-chair of Lindum Group, said: “Adrian Sheldon View is a tribute to a brave young man who gave everything for his country. Lindum feels privileged to honour Rifleman Sheldon and to give the Ashfield community a lasting reminder of his service and sacrifice. We hope that those who make their homes here will remember Adrian’s story and the values he embodied.”
