Ashfield District Council's leader says he is working with local families on plans to rename new streets after fallen soldiers.

It comes after Conservative councillors presented the motion to the authority's full council meeting on February 2.

The motion called for two soldiers from the district who died in Afghanistan to be honoured for their service by having streets named in their memory.

However, it was not debated during the meeting due to a council constitutional issue, which meant the suggestion was classed as an 'executive decision' and could only be taken by cabinet members.

The motion was deferred to the cabinet meeting on February 21, with the Tory councillors to be invited to present it before the Ashfield Independents administration.

A report published ahead of the meeting says Councillor Jason Zadrozny (Ash Ind), the authority's leader, has been liaising with families of fallen soldiers to implement a similar scheme.

It adds that existing policies over street naming would allow the streets to be renamed in this way.

"The council's policy would allow the naming of a street after someone who has died in military service as suggested by the notice of motion," the report said.

Speaking ahead of the cabinet meeting, Cllr Zadrozny added: "I would like to make it clear that we are already working with families of fallen soldiers on naming roads in their honour.

"It's only right that we remember their sacrifice.

"We look forward to continuing this so their sacrifice can be remembered for future generations."

During the full council meeting, Cllr Chris Baron (Con), who represents Hucknall West, presented the motion and spoke about two former soldiers.

He said: "Rifleman Adrian Sheldon sadly died in Afghanistan in May 2009, after ten years of military service.

"Justifiably, his family and his regiment will never forget him.

"Equally, Lance Corporal Paul Sandford from Hucknall was tragically killed in Afghanistan after military service with the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters. He too is still sadly missed.

"Paul was educated and lived in Hucknall all his life and followed the military route of joining the local regiment.

"Adrian lived in Kirkby all his short life, and they both gave their lives to safeguard the future of others from tyranny and dictatorship.

"Adrian's final resting place is at Kingsway cemetery, and Paul's final resting place is in Hucknall cemetery, with a plaque erected in St Mary's Magdalene church in Hucknall.

"As former Hucknall and Kirkby in Ashfield residents, isn't it time to honour their lives through the naming of a street after them?"

After it was confirmed the meeting would not debate his motion, Cllr Baron aired his frustrations.

He said: "I accept in the constitution of the rules that the decision goes straight to cabinet, which is perhaps right.

"However, it would be good for cabinet members to hear the opinions of members on whether street names for soldiers who used to serve in Nottinghamshire regiments should go forward."

In response, Cllr Zadrozny replied at the time: "I want to associate myself with the sentiments of the motion.

"We always try to do that sort of thing and remember those who served Ashfield if we can.

"I hope we can do that quickly and appropriately, and I'm very happy to take private suggestions or conversations with any member – or leaders of opposition groups – so we can do that work in a sensitive and timely manner."