Storm over ‘suggestion’ to name leisure centre after Cyril Smith

The late Sir Cyril Smith

A storm has erupted over a suggestion to name Rochdale’s new leisure centre after Sir Cyril Smith.

The idea was put forward by Sir Cyril’s godson Councillor Dale Mulgrew after  councillors were asked for suggestions for the new centre  - and despite being withdrawn it has caused controversy because of Sir Cyril’s size, who was said to weigh 29 stone at his heaviest.

Councillor Mulgrew told Rochdale Online the suggestion had been withdrawn and it was a ‘non-story.’

The town’s MP, Simon Danczuk, described the idea as “daft.” In a Twitter post, he said: “Rochdale Lib Dems want to name new health and fitness centre after Cyril Smith...Even Cyril would have said this is a daft idea.”

National journalist, Kevin Maguire, also Tweeted: “Funniest thing ever heard: Rochdale Lib Dems want to name health centre after Cyril Smith. He was 29 stones. Fatness First?”

It has now been proposed by Councillor Mulgrew that a building or section of Hopwood Hall College’s Rochdale Campus been named after Sir Cyril instead.

Sir Cyril died last year at the age of 82 after he served as the Liberal and later Liberal Democrat MP for Rochdale between 1972 and 1992. He became famous for his distinctive appearance and frequent outspoken television appearances in the 1970s and 1980s.

In a formal suggestion to Rochdale Council, Councillor Mulgrew wrote:  “Recently the Rochdale Township Committee has been involved in naming the new leisure centre which will serve Rochdale Town Centre and the neighbouring Communities.  This created a lot of thought, and I suggested perhaps we consider creating a permanent memorial to one of Rochdale’s greatest ambassadors, Sir Cyril Smith. 

“Although some debate started on this suggestion, it was decided maybe this would not be the most appropriate name for such a civic building.  Although the Council is about to mount a Blue Heritage plaque in tribute to this great Rochdalian, I still feel there needs to be a lasting and significant memorial to this Rochdale champion, which will respond to the local public clamour for such a recognition. 

“I know Sir Cyril was quite an advocate of education in the Borough, and so it would be ideal if we could find some educational facility/establishment where we could associate his name as a tribute.  I know that Hopwood Hall is embarking on a significant renovation of the Rochdale Campus, and so I submit early a suggestion for a building, or even a wing, to be named after Sir Cyril, so that within the town centre we do have such a commemoration of this man who gave so much to Rochdale.”