Paul Chuckle disappointed as Rotherham councillors reject 'Chuckle Square' proposal

The Chuckle Brothers, Barry (left) and Paul (right) Elliott, pictured in 2014 Credit: Yui Mok/PA Archive/PA Images

Paul Chuckle has told ITV News of his disappointment and confusion, as councillors in Rotherham rejected a proposal to name a town square after him and his brother Barry.

A meeting of the scrutiny committee cited the Chuckle Brothers as hailing from Maltby, a town six miles east of Rotherham town centre.

Cllr Brian Steele, the committee's chairman, said: "As the Chuckle Brothers and their family are from Maltby, it is recommended naming a street or play area [after them] in new housing there".

But Paul Chuckle, real name Paul Elliot, described himself firmly as a son of Rotherham, having been "born and brought up" there as well as being an ardent supporter of the town's football club. The funeral for his brother, Barry Elliot, was held at the New York Stadium in August.

Around 700 people had signed the petition, which was then discussed in private.

Rotherham Advertiser reporter Gareth Dennison had told the meeting: "The support we have had for the petition shows popular opinion is that the Chuckle Brothers are deserving of this tribute.

"They have done so much to put Rotherham on the map, and this would put them on the map, quite literally."

The area outside Boots and Poundworld that would have been called 'Chuckle Square'

Today (Wednesday) the Advertiser's editor, Andrew Mosley, was reported as having described the rejection as a “slap in the face for Barry and Paul and all they have done to put Rotherham on the map”.