‘Even memorial as big as the Empire State Building would not do justice to Maureen Middleton’

Local residents and politicians at the unveiling of a plaque commemorating Maureen Middleton. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

A memorial plaque in honour of former Hackney councillor Maureen Middleton was unveiled yesterday (Sunday 23 June) at Woodberry Grove.

Cllr Middleton, who died in 2010, served three terms on the council, representing New River ward on behalf of the Conservative Party.

The plaque was the result of an effort by local residents Yvonne and Ian Kleinberg, who commissioned the wood-mounted memorial from sculptor Adam Williamson and worked with Genesis Housing Association to secure a location.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by several dozen local residents as well as Hackney Council Speaker Michael Desmond and councillors from the Conservative and Labour parties.

Yvonne Kleinberg praised Cllr Middleton’s “commitment, devotion and loyalty to the people she represented”.

Ian Kleinberg, who took charge of the artistic design for the project, said: “If there were a memorial as big as the Empire State Building, it would not commemorate Maureen. She was unbelievable.”

Maureen Middleton joined Hackney Council in 1998. During her time at the local authority she was one of the most prominent and well-regarded opposition members, respected particularly for the energy and enthusiasm she put into holding the Labour administration to account.

Mr and Mrs Kleinberg say they initially approached Hackney Council in the hope of securing a spot for the plaque, but that the council refused their request.

Cllr Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, said: “It is a fitting that a memorial to Cllr Maureen Middleton was established in the heart of a community that she served for twelve years and that residents from the area were instrumental in both securing a site and preparing the plaque itself.”