Two streets in a new property development area have been named after teen victims of car accidents nearby.
One of the streets, ‘Raees Way’ is in memory of Mohammed Raees Kabir-Farid from Shipley, who was 14 when he and his father Abdul were killed in a crash with a minibus in Serik, Antalya, Turkey on 3 December 2019.
The other street is named ‘Aanisah Avenue’ in tribute to Aanisah Rashid, 13, who died on 13 January 2009 when she was a passenger in a car that was hit at twice the speed limit on Haworth Road, Heaton.
The street signs will appear at a new housing estate on the former Chellow Grange Quarry on Haworth Road. 98 affordable homes are being built there by the Home Group and Strategic Team Group.
The signs were unveiled yesterday at an emotional ceremony in Lister Park cafe, with the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Shabir Hussain, in attendance along with both families involved.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Shabir Hussain said: “Both these young people died in awful circumstances and their families will always feel their loss and that of their future lives and ambitions that will never be realised. These new street names are a lovely tribute and a way to keep their memories alive.”
Councillor for Heaton, where Aanisah Rashid and her family lived, Cllr Mohammed Amran was directly involved with the naming initiative. He said: “I am delighted with this project. It is sad that these two young people lost their lives to road vehicle accidents.
“Young people deserve to be recognised. Normally naming of streets go to councillors or celebrities. It is time that the names go to grassroots, local people.
“I lived a few minutes down the road from Aanisah and I used to see her playing out in the street all the time. She was killed 12 years ago and I will never forget it. I was driving near the area a few minutes after it happened and I remember the road being closed.
“Raees actually went to school with my boys. They remember him as being a talented footballer and boxer.”
Toller Councillor Arshad Hussain said: “I’m really pleased that a street will be named in remembrance of my late good friend Abdul’s (Dulls) son Raees. Abdul and Raees lost their lives in a tragic accident in Turkey in 2019.
“A huge thank you to my colleague Mohammed Amran for making this happen, really appreciate it Manny, thank you.”
Feature image credit: Facebook/Cllr Arshad Hussain.
