DEVELOPERS have renamed a soon-to-be completed Hagley retirement complex after discovering its name sparked memories of a schoolboy killer who targeted the Worcestershire village in the 1980s.

McCarthy & Stone had originally named the new apartment complex, on Park Road, as Miller Court as a tribute to Sanderson Miller - the designer and architect of nearby Hagley Hall.

But the leading housebuilder has reversed its decision after realising the name was bringing back bad memories in the village of notorious child murderer Victor Miller who kidnapped and killed 14-year-old Hagley newspaper boy Stuart Gough in January 1988.

Gill Sabin, regional sales and marketing director of McCarthy & Stone Midlands, said: “At McCarthy and Stone we are committed to celebrating and supporting the local heritage and history surrounding our new developments.

“After careful consideration and research into the local area, we selected Miller Court as the name of our latest Retirement Living development in Hagley, to pay tribute to Sanderson Miller, the designer and architect of the cherished local landmark, Hagley Hall.

“We have since been informed of an unconnected historic incident that took place in the locality, which shared links with the original name, and have therefore made the decision to rename the development Sanderson Court.

"We are pleased to unveil our new name, which has now been confirmed by Bromsgrove District Council and still reflects the rich culture and history of the the local area.”

Sanderson Court, which is being built on the former Hagley Middle School site, will comprise 44 one, two and three bedroom apartments for the over 60s.

The complex, comprising an on-site restaurant, guest suite and laundry facilities, is due to welcome its first residents in September.

Wolverhampton based computer operator Victor Miller was jailed for life in November 1988 after confessing to the killing and it is expected he will spend the remainder of his days behind bars.