George Michael fans call for tribute bench on Hampstead Heath

Tribute call: George Michael
PA
Mark Chandler23 January 2017

George Michael fans are calling for a memorial bench to the star on Hampstead Heath, near his London home.

Superfan Tony Antoniou has started an online petition in a bid to persuade the City of London Corporation, which manages the heath, to agree to the idea.

It comes after thousands of fans called for a statue outside his home in Highgate, just around the corner from the popular park.

The Careless Whisper singer was found dead in his bed on Christmas Day by boyfriend Fadi Fawaz, sparking an outpouring of grief from around the world.

In the days and weeks afterwards, hundreds of flowers and tributes were laid outside his front door.

Mr Antoniou said the vast green open space was an important place for the star to relax and have “time to himself”.

He wrote the petition website: “George Michael loved Hampstead Heath park so much.

“It was his favourite park and he would often go there for some time to himself.

“I now want to pay further tribute to George Michael with your kind support.”

Hampstead Heath: George Michael spoke in interviews about visiting the heath for sex
Ashley Coates/Flickr

"His fans will love this and will agree to it," he wrote.

"It's the least they can do as this was his favourite and local park."

More than 300 people have signed the petition so far.

Supporter Helen Vassilou wrote: "This is the very least that such a humble, talented, generous and honest man deserves.

"He gave us so much in so many ways so let's give George something back and let his memory live on."

A spokesman for the City of London Corporation said: “Our waiting list for memorial benches on Hampstead Heath is currently closed, and the scheme is under review.

"The waiting list already contains over 115 requests, with a waiting time of up to 10 years”.

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