KIRKLEES Council will honour Huddersfield’s Olympic greats if the tower blocks bearing their names are torn down.

The flats at Southgate were named after Anita Lonsbrough and Derek Ibbotson.

Yesterday a council spokesman said: “Nothing has been finalised, but it is likely that Derek Ibbotson and Anita Lonsbrough will both be recognised if planning permission for the new sports centre is approved.

“They are among our local sporting legends who have been ambassadors.

“Encouraging residents to be healthy and active is a council priority and we are fortunate that our area has role models such as Derek and Anita.”

Ms Lonsbrough took gold at the 200m breast-stroke at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.

Mr Ibbotson held the mile world record from July 1957 to August 1958.