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Tourism chief hits back over Les statue
FYLDE Council's tourism chief has spoken out in support of the Les Dawson statue planned for St Annes.
Coun Simon Renwick made his comments after residents of the Majestic flats, which would overlook the proposed statue on a site next to St Annes Pier, voiced their opposition to the scheme.
Coun Renwick, cabinet member for culture and tourism, said: “I feel that many people are against this with out giving any rational thought.
“I admit, Les Dawson may not have tickled everyone’s funny bone, but you cannot argue that he had a big impact on comedy in this country.
“He had first-class timing, a punch line for every occasion and the ability to play the piano so badly, it was genius.
“Les Dawson chose to make the Fylde his home and making that choice and his undoubted talent makes a statue paid by private donations a project the council is proud to support.
“The effects for tourism and the local economy make this an important scheme. It will be the corner stone on the proposed promenade regeneration.
“The statue will be in short good for this borough.
“I am pleased to support this and I am proud that we are doing so. The statue and the garden will be one of the small gems in the crown of pride that is the Fylde.”
Plans for a statue of the comedian on St Annes Promenade were revealed last month and will see the statue become the central feature in a Garden of Fame which will recognise up to 40 other people.
Coun Renwick has also defended the council against accusations of secrecy about the proposal.
He said: “What, have the councillors missed the newspaper, radio and TV coverage since March, did they miss the e-mail to all councillors on the 7th and then again on December 12 informing councillors of what was going on and then they missed the deadline for calling it in.”
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
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Temperature: 4 C to 7 C
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