Plans for a plaque in place for Summerstown star Marc Bolan

Geoff Simmons hopes the sign can be displayed on a Tesco Express, near where the famous singer spent a large part of his youth.

Marc Bolan, previously Marc Feld, moved to a prefab house near the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium with his family in the 1960s.

The Felds lived in a prefab by the greyhound stadium

Although the former “Sun Cottage” is demolished now, the impact of the glam rock idol had a lasting impact on Wandsworth residents.

“I’ve met a number of people on my walks who remembered Mark Feld from his early Summerstown days.

“He had a swagger and was often seen with a guitar slung over his shoulder,” says south London historian Geoff Simmons.

Marc Bolan spent his early teenage years in Summerstown

The lead singer of band T. Rex was known for chart-topping hits “Get it On” and “Metal Guru” but few know about his humble roots in SW17.

He attended Hillcroft School - now Ernest Bevin College – and worked part-time jobs as a dish washer at the local Wimpy burger bar and a menswear shop near Tooting Broadway.

In his spare time, he practised in teen band ‘The Cabinet’ at a youth club at Tranmere Road School, now Earlsfield Primary.

Bolan later bought a property on Upper Richmond Road, Barnes, which was where he and girlfriend Gloria Jones were driving when he died in a car accident in 1977.

Geoff Simmons, who raised money for a plaque of jazz musician Sadie Crawford in Tooting before, said he has put off planning a sign due to the “huge redevelopment” of the neighbourhood.

But now he is asking for permission to place the plaque on Tesco Express, Garratt Lane, which was formerly one of Bolan’s favourite busking haunts, the Prince of Wales pub.

Tesco Express, Garratt Lane

“It’s a very old building and will survive the changes all around it. Part of it extends seductively behind the main shopfront, beckoning people towards the stadium and the road called Summerstown where the Felds lived,” said Mr Simmons.

“It seems like a great place for a plaque and that’s where we would like to put it. But we need Tesco to agree so are waiting to hear from them.”

He’s asking Marc Bolan fans to chip in to reach the £500 needed for a plaque, provided permission is granted by Tesco.

“A plaque would be seen by so many people, not least all AFC Wimbledon football fans going to the new stadium. As local residents, it will be a further reason for us to take pride in the area where we live and encourage future generations to have an awareness and appreciation of Marc’s music,” added the historian.

Do you have any memories of Wandsworth celebrity Marc Bolan? Let us know at: Francesca.adkins@newsquest.co.uk