Naming would be political advert

Dear Sir,

If I could be allowed to add a political perspective to your editorial in last week's Chronicle on the renaming of Congleton Leisure Centre following its upgrading, I'd be grateful.

At a time when Congleton Town and (especially) Cheshire East councils, are rightfully, in my view, receiving more than their fair share of criticism, it is most inappropriate for Congleton Leisure Centre to be renamed after one of their members.

Both councils are heavily Conservative dominated and though this is down to due process, it is wrong that one of their group should be remembered in this way.

As your editorial states, it is likely that this refurbished centre will last for at least another 30 years, long after the present councillors have departed.

The residents of Congleton and others who use the centre will, however, be reminded of the political allegiance of this name and there will surely be a plaque and opening ceremony recording this.

To put it bluntly, this to me seems a piece of free political marin tying those who use the centre to a political party that could well be past its sell by date by the time the building is once more renamed.

Yours faithfully,

(DR) PETER HIRST

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for

Congleton 2017.