Ex-Stretford MP Sir Tony Lloyd's legacy is to live long after an announcement on the new name of a square in the town.

The new name of the square is to be Lloyd Square according to an announcement by Trafford Council leader Tom Ross.

Lloyd Square was one of three options on a shortlist which was whittled down from more than 400 residents' suggestions. The other options on the shortlist were Enriqueta Square and Hibberd Square with the winner the result of a public poll at The Mall and on social media.

Judith Lloyd, Sir Tony's wife who is a councillor on Trafford Council, was in attendance for the reveal on Saturday (July 6).

Cllr Lloyd said: "Our family are delighted that Lloyd Square has been chosen to recognise Tony's contribution to Stretford."

Born in Stretford, Sir Tony was a councillor before his election as Stretford MP and, after the abolition of the constituency, he was MP for Manchester Central then MP for Rochdale, a role in which he worked up until days before his death with cancer at the start of this year.

Also Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester and Interim Mayor of Greater Manchester over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, he was remembered by those across the political spectrum for his dedication and his devotion to public service.

(Image: Parliament)

Cllr Ross said: "Sir Tony was an incredible politician who had an amazing career. It is only right the square should be named in his honour. 

"Thank you again to everyone who took part. These are exciting times and I cannot wait to see the square when it is completed [next year]."

The reveal last weekend was one of the attractions at the free festival The StretFest, which was split across Stretford Library, Stretford Public Hall, St Matthew's Church and Victoria Park as well as The Mall.

The Stretford Town Centre Forum, a collaboration between Bruntwood, the council, and community groups such as Friends of Stretford Public Hall and Friends of Victoria Park, was behind the free festival.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.