By Permanent memorial call for former Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell
A former councillor has suggested the creation of a permanent memorial to former Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell.
Former Cleethorpes councillor, Matthew Brown said he would like to see the new £4million accident and emergency department at Diana,
Princess of Wales Hospital, to be named “The Austin Mitchell Accident and Emergency Centre.”
The centre is due to be opened this year alongside a new acute assessment unit, which is expected to cost around £12million.
Austin served the community as a Member of Parliament for Great Grimsby from 1977 until his retirement in 2015. He was then made the
High Steward of North East Lincolnshire from 2015 until he died on August 18 last year in Leeds General Infirmary coronary care unit, at the age of 86.
The new development in Grimsby will see a new 2,255 square metre area being built out from the current A&E building, which would allow space for new Acute Assessment Units (AAU).
Former Cleethorpes councillor Matthew Brown nominated Austin for the role of High Steward, he now says a bronze statue or bust of the MP should be installed at the entrance of the new centre.
Matthew said: “It is undoubtedly true that this colourful and respected character has left a legacy to be proud of within our community. As we pass the one-year anniversary of Austin’s death it is time to reflect on the achievements of this remarkable and much-loved individual and decide how to acknowledge his life and service within the community.
“Austin was known nationally for his work at ITV Calendar, especially his legendary interview between Don Revie and Brian Clough. However, it is his time as a Member of Parliament that Austin is best known for.
“His key achievements include being the leading figure championing having Parliament televised to the nation enabling communities to see and hear how their Members of Parliament perform and directly hold them to account, his years of collaborative working with Dolly Hardy to ensure the Fisherman of the area got a fair deal which even resulted in him changing his name to Austin Haddock for a period, working with the local council regardless of political colour to push for investment into the area to improve the lives of the community, and championing the Further and Higher Education in the area by pushing the Government to increase the investment in the then Grimsby College and making it an Institute with additional funding.
“However, it is perhaps the little things that have made the most difference. He was known as a strong caseworker helping thousands of families during his time as MP. Known for his ‘Austin Magic’ by taking on causes that often seemed unwinnable to those affected and somehow getting a positive result.”
He added: “The building of the new Accident and Emergency Centre by Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust at Grimsby’s Diana Princess of Wales NHS Foundation Trust could potentially be an ideal lasting memorial for Austin in recognition of one of the most formidable parliamentarians of his generation. ‘The Austin Mitchell Accident and Emergency Centre’ has a wonderful ring to it.
“It is especially fitting given his long association with Grimsby hospital ranging from providing them with photos to display in the hospital, supporting patients, and championing further investment in Grimsby Hospital. Together with a bronze bust of Austin at the entrance, it would make a fitting tribute to this remarkable man.”
Matthew Kay, Austin’s Senior Parliamentary Assistant and Westminster Office Manager from 2006 said: “I know he had his controversies over the years but I have never met a kinder more caring person.
“He was an amazing boss and it was a privilege to work for him. He has been involved in some big issues like fisherman’s compensation when he will have helped lots of people in one go. However, I think his work as a great constituency MP helping people with day-to-day problems should not be overlooked.
“Since he became an MP in the late 70s to when he stood down he must have helped thousands of people in Grimsby and made a real positive difference to the area.”
