'Name west Hull community centre after Woodcock Street legend Marian Carlson'

CALLS are being made to rename a west Hull community centre after a stalwart who has passed away.

Marian Carlson, 60, lived in the Woodcock Street area of west Hull for 40 years and helped set up a residents' association to combat huge problems in her neighbourhood.

More recently, she raised concerns about the lack of consultation over the housing development in the street.

She died at her home in Jade Grove, west Hull, on December 9 after a heart attack.

Ward councillor Nadine Fudge now wants the Edinburgh Street Community Centre named after Mrs Carlson to celebrate her contribution.

She said: "Marian was a very close friend of mine and I am seeking to get Edinburgh Street Community Centre named after her.

"She was brilliant and devoted herself to the centre.

"The centre was often threatened with closure but she was always there."

Mrs Carlson was a shining light during the dark days when Woodcock Street was plagued by problems.

The area suffered with boarded-up, empty houses, antisocial behaviour and widespread vandalism and graffiti.

Such was its reputation that Woodcock Street was labelled "Little Beirut".

But Cllr Fudge insists the street turned itself around thanks to the efforts of people such as Mrs Carlson.

She said: "She was the only one who could control the kids down Woodcock Street at that time.

"She was such a community person and she will be greatly missed."

Mrs Carlson's husband Bob, 82, was shocked by her sudden death.

He said: "She got up on the Sunday morning and went downstairs.

"I came down 45 minutes later and found her lying on the kitchen floor.

"I really thought I would have her for a good 15 years more."

Mr Carlson paid tribute to his wife, who gave so much to the community in which she lived.

He said: "She was a legend around the Woodcock Street area.

"Everyone thought the world of her and she did so much work for the community, particularly helping get the money for regeneration.

"When Woodcock Street was at its worst, she looked after the lads who terrorised the street and kicked them into touch.

"She laid the first brick for the first housing development."

Not only was Mrs Carlson a highly regarded member of the community but she also looked after her family.

Mr Carlson said: "She was a good wife. I was 22 years older than her but we just had that something so many other people don't have.

"We just thought the world of each other.

"She suffered from arthritis, which caused her a lot of pain, but she just carried on and refused to let anyone down.

"She continued to run her karate club, which was her baby, and all the members thought highly of her."

Mrs Carlson was cremated at Chanterlands Avenue Crematorium last month.

Her daughter died aged just 23 and the couple looked after their grandson, who is now 21 years old. Mrs Carlson also leaves behind a son.