Calls for city to honour club tycoon Peter Stringfellow

They say they have asked Sheffield City Council previously but claim the call has always been rejected.

They fear that stigma over Mr Stringfellow’s association with his infamous strip clubs is behind the snub, but they want recognition for what the former General Technology College student did for Sheffield’s music industry in the 1960s and 70s.

The campaign is being spearheaded by Sheffield resident Barry Northall, 71, from Todwick, who first met Mr Stringfellow in 1962 at a Church Hall and worked for him throughout his Sheffield years.

He said club owner is instrumental in the rise of the city’s music scene, and brought bands including The Beatles, The Kinks, The Merseybeats, Elton John and Rod Stewart to Sheffield.

Barry, who last saw the club millionaire in December and spoke at his funeral, said: “Peter never hid the fact that he was from Sheffield because he was immensely proud of that - a local boy made good.

“He made many, many visits back to Sheffield over the years, and if anyone wanted him to come here for something he always would. He once came up to talk to students at the university about his life - he would never fail to come to Sheffield.

“How can Sheffield City Council renew the licence for Spearmint Rhino and not celebrate Peter’s life? He was the Peter Pan of Sheffield in the 1960s.”

He said he first had the idea several years ago when Mr Stringfellow came to Sheffield for a BBC programme with Michael Palin, who is included in the Sheffield Legends walk.

Other names include Gordon Banks, Sean Bean, Joe Cocker, Sebastion Coe, and Michael Vaughan.

According to Sheffield City Council’s website: “Sheffield Legends honour those who have achieved national or international acclaim.

“Nominations for the next Sheffield Legend will be considered by an independent selection board representing various sectors across the city such as the arts, sport, education, media and business and chaired by the Lord Mayor.”

Sheffield writer Dave Manville, who was working on a book with Mr Stringfellows on his influence on the city’s music scene at the time of his death in June, is backing the call.

He said: “I tried to get Peter included on the Walk of Fame twice before and never got very far with it - I think it’s because of the lap dancing.

“But following Peter’s death it is the right time for his city to honour him for what he did.”

Barry now plans to submit a formal request to the authority and also launch a petition, which could trigger a debate at Sheffield City Council if it gets enough support.

The council said the under current rules the honour cannot be awarded posthumously