DNA statue plan for hometown's tribute
A MEMORIAL to Nobel Prize-winning scientist Francis Crick in his hometown of Northampton will be designed to look like the DNA structure he discovered in 1953.
The proposed double-helix statue would be placed in the middle of Abington Street in memory of the professor, who died in July this year, aged 88.
But borough councillors have warned the statue should be designed to make sure it cannot be used as a climbing frame.
Councillor Penny Flavell (Con, St Crispin) called for a monument to celebrate Mr Crick's achievements before his death and has since spoken to members of his family about the planned tribute.
She said: "It's wonderful that we're going to have something for the man who has done so much for humankind and that we're going to honour him in this way.
"I think a double-helix is very appropriate and I think Abington Street is an ideal location.
"But whoever designs it will have to make sure that it can't be climbed on and it doesn't look like playground equipment."
Professor Crick grew up in Weston Favell and attended Northampton Grammar School between 1925 and 1930.
In 1953, he made the DNA breakthrough – along with US researcher James Watson – which many scientists have cited as the most important discovery in biology during the 20th century.
Northampton Borough Council's executive committee is due to discuss the proposals for the commemorative statue next week.
But the suggestion of a double-helix statue has been welcomed by Francis Crick's relatives in the town.
During a meeting with council leader Phil Larratt (Con, East Hunsbury) last month, his family said he would not have wanted a statue or plaque, but would have liked the idea of the double-helix monument.
The proposed monument would be illuminated at night and be designed to be vandal-proof.
The designers of the monument will be chosen in a nationwide competition, if the plan is given the borough council's backing.
wayne.bontoft@northantsnews.co.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page- BREAKING NEWS: Tributes paid to Niamh Curry as brave five-year-old loses battle against cancer
- BREAKING NEWS: Pensioner dies after collision at Northampton shopping centre
- Man tied to tree and beaten on Northampton Racecourse
- BREAKING NEWS: Woman’s body found after ‘suicide’ in Northampton hotel room
- BREAKING NEWS: Seven-year-old boy dies following house fire in Northamptonshire
- Northampton binmen at ‘breaking point’
- Staff strike at Northampton school over academy plans forces closure
- Saints’ stadium plans get support as long as traffic issues solved
- Eastern European pupils helping school standards across Northampton
- Exclusive: PM David Cameron says Northamptonshire Police Commissioner role is “a big job for a big local figure”
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Northampton
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
