THE FAMILY of a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan has launched a bid to have the A453 renamed in honour of those who died in the conflict.
Peter Cheetham-Jones and John Upton are set to write to the Highways Agency to suggest the name change.
Mr Upton, 68, of Beech Avenue, Beeston Rylands, said his cousin, Mr Cheetham-Jones, had come up with the idea of renaming the road.
Mr Upton's son, Sean, was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.
The A453 historically connected Nottingham and Birmingham, and the pair would like the road to be renamed as 453 UK military personnel died in the war in Afghanistan.
Mr Upton said: "My cousin came up with the suggestion but I thought it was a really good idea.
"Obviously it would mean a lot to me for the road to be renamed because of losing Sean out there."
Warrant Officer Upton was on foot patrol in Afghanistan on July 27, 2009 when he was hit by a rocket patrol grenade. He was 35.
"We've been thinking about how to go about getting the idea put forward, so have come up with a few names," Mr Upton said.
"The few ideas we have are Heroes Way, Helmand Way or Bastion Way.
"It's not just for Sean. I feel it would be appropriate for all the people who lost their lives in Afghanistan."
Andrew Gregory, county chairman for Royal British Legion, said: "From a personal point of view, I believe that it's entirely appropriate to at least consider the proposal.
"It would be a permanent memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, especially those from the local area. Just a simple memorial to 453 men and women, their families and dependents and a constant reminder to the thousands who use the road daily."
The road now runs from Clifton to the M1, and then picks up again from Tamworth to Sutton Coldfield.
The pair are now considering the best application to put forward to the Highways Agency, who said they would consider the idea when they had recieved the submission.
Bill Turton, secretary of the Clifton branch of the Royal British Legion, said it would be something they would support.
He said: "I think it's a good idea and a nice way of paying tribute.
"I'm a big football fan so I remember when they changed the A52 to Brian Clough Way, so it definitely seems appropriate if they can rename a road after Brian Clough that they can do it for those people who died in Afghanistan.
"I think Helmand Way and Bastion Way would be good names for the road."