How someone choosing to live in an architectural monstrosity like the Majestic Flats can, at the same time, claim to be an arbiter of taste or style is beyond my understanding, and as for the unnamed person who does not seem able to distinguish between Les' ironic stage persona and the real gentleman that he was, well, words fail.
In addition to his comedy act, Les was a poet, writer, and an accomplished classical pianist. He did a great deal of good charitable work for this area. He was always approachable and willing to appear at civic events, lending his stage personality to generate newsworthy coverage to further our tourism industry. Among other things, for example, he opened our swimming pool, and never asked for a penny piece for his trouble - unlike some of the other stars of stage or screen.
For someone so willing to help and support the area in which he lived, and when the public has subscribed to meet the cost, it ill behoves any of us to be so negative and churlish about a plan to record his being here.
The statue will undoubtedly help to attract visitors to our seaside resort, just as the Eric Morecambe statue has done in Morecambe. Many thousands of photograph albums now boast a picture of a smiling holidaymaker next to the Morecambe statue, happy to reflect with the memories of another great comedian. I hope they will soon be able to do the same thing here.
I am happy to record my name in support of the scheme.
Fred Moor
Former Director of Tourism and Leisure
St Annes