REDDITCH'S town hall square will be officially dedicated to late council stalwart Walter Stranz at a ceremony on Monday.

A new square nameplate will be unveiled by Mr Stranz's wife of 43 years, Betty, at a ceremony before the full council meeting at 6.45pm.

Mr Stranz, who was the only person to be honoured by being made Freeman of the Borough in Redditch's history, died in August after a 22-year battle against Parkinson's Disease.

Berlin-born Mr Stranz joined the Labour Party in 1950 and was later to prove his political skills and dedication to helping others throughout his years as a town and county councillor, Council Leader and mayor.

Mrs Stranz said: "I think this is a very fitting tribute to Walter, who spent so much of his time at the town hall working for the people of Redditch.

"After Walter died, when the council suggested a permanent memorial to him, I was rather concerned about what ideas would be thought up.

"Walter never did anything so he could have praise lavished on him, he did everything he did for this town because he loved it.

"He left me a message on a cassette to be listened to when he died. He said he wanted no form on memorial.

"I think he feared some sort of huge headstone or similar in the middle of the town centre.

"But councillors have really taken into consideration the man Walter was and I think naming this square after him was a wonderful idea."

Council Leader Phil Mould said: "I'm delighted the council has agreed to this square being renamed in Walter's memory.

''He gave so much to Redditch and helped shape its future as a New Town."