John Hemming, Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley is planning a regional hall of fame

6.00.00pm GMT Fri 26th Aug 2005

John Hemming, MP for Birmingham Yardley

John Hemming, Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley is planning a regional hall of fame. "Birmingham was supposed to have a Hall of Fame on the current site of the ICC many years ago. This did not happen. As part of promoting Birmingham within the region I believe we need a hall or wall of fame. This will recognise the many successes of people in the region. Clearly this is something that will require the involvement of specialist committees to review each area such as sport, music, comedy, theatre, industry etc. I think it is also important that the public should be involved in deciding who are the top people in each category."

Mr. Hemming further said "I have been discussing this with members of the local media and also have a potential site identified although an agreement has to be created. The Evening Mail is backing the idea and will be asking their readers to take part in suggesting names. Clearly the decision as to who is the top local comic, top local musician/band or top local sportsman is one for local people to take. Should it be Jasper Carrot or Lenny Henry, UB40 or Ozzy Osborne. That's a decision for the people, not me or other politicians. In terms of people from History, Joseph Chamberlain is an obvious candidate. Regionally Shakespeare also has a guaranteed slot."