City open to calls for Liam Payne memorial

Wolverhampton could in the future have a permanent memorial to Liam Payne or a statue of the late singer, the leader of the local authority has said.

Stephen Simkins said it was "right that we recognise every son and daughter from Wolverhampton that's been an absolute asset to us".

But he said it would only be done with the approval of Liam Payne's family.

Simon Bennett, the leader of the council's Conservative opposition, who went to school with the singer, has previously supported the idea.

Mr Simkins said there was an "open door" to the idea.

Flowers and messages were left at the cenotaph in the One Direction performer's home town following his death in Argentina in October.

More than 5,000 people have signed an online petition calling for a permanent memorial.

A private funeral for the 31-year-old took place last Wednesday in Amersham in Buckinghamshire, north-west of London.