The people of Beccles have expressed their desire to honour a much-loved artist from the town by naming a major new A-road after him.

Following a public, vote Beccles Town Council has proposed the Southern Relief Road should be named Joe Crowfoot Way.

Mr Crowfoot was known for his beautiful nautical paintings and ability to capture the breathtaking wonder of seas and skies.

He died last year at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer.

The town council have put forward the suggestion to Suffolk County Council and are currently awaiting a response. Mayor Richard Stubbings has welcomed the road name and believes the county council should “respect the wishes of the people of Beccles.”

He said: “We asked the people of Beccles what the road should be called and Joe Crowfoot came up on top by a huge margin.”

Many of those who voted for Mr Crowfoot gave special reasons for doing so. One said: “He was a modest man and never sought the limelight for what he contributed to the town and the surrounding areas. He is dearly missed by so many people and was Beccles through and through. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honour.”

Construction of the relief road started in August last year, with the £7m scheme due to be completed this summer.

Mr Crowfoot’s wife Nettie and son John said they were “touched” by the outpouring of support shown to the painter.

John said: “I will always remember him anyway but the fact the community want it is the positive thing to take away for me.

“When we heard we were both happy and felt he was deserving. I just want to thank anyone who voted for him.

“Irrespective of the outcome it is a really positive thing for the council to recognise local people. Not just my dad but everyone who was put forward.”

Mrs Crowfoot described her husband as a “quiet and lovable man” and added: “If he knew he would probably ask ‘why do they want to name it after me?’”

As well as an artist Mr Crowfoot was also a keen musician and performed around Beccles with his son in a folk group called the Ploughjockeys.

Other suggestions for the road to be named after included Vic Cooke, John Humby, Humphrey Manning and Jim Prior.