A petition for a plaque in memory of a much-loved accordion player has received more than quadruple the number of signatures needed.

John ‘Paddy’ Delaney, known locally as the “Accordion Man”, played the accordion on St Albans market days for more than 25 years and died in March this year.

A petition was set up soon after to place a plaque near his performing spot in Upper Dagnall Street.

The online petition sent to St Albans district council received 1,162 signatures - more than four times the 250 needed for the issue to be heard in person.

Melanie Wall, who helped organise the petition and a memorial day in July, made flyers and asked local businesses to help distribute them.

She said: “The generosity of local businesses and the 1,162 signatures received are, without a doubt, testament to the impact Paddy had on St Albans folk and how much he will be missed.”

The proposal will be heard by the full council on July 9, where they will discuss whether to allow the plaque. There will also be a memorial day on July 4, where buskers and musicians from across the district will play to raise money for the plaque.

Melanie added: “It wouldn’t surprise me at all if many people, not just the buskers, wore striped T-shirts and red neckerchiefs by way of celebrating Paddy. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if St Albans town centre was awash with stripes on Saturday 4th July?!

“The date is usually associated with stars and stripes of course, but here in St Albans, it will be about stars in stripes paying tribute to Paddy the Accordion Man.”