A NAME change for a local election ward was fought by councillors.

The ward of Westminster in Ellesmere Port has been renamed Rossmore, and even prospective councillors are not happy.

Kenny Spain, who will stand in the ward for the Socialist Labour Party, said: “The Westminster people are kicking up about being called Rossmore and having the shackles of Rossmore on our shoulders.

“Westminster was Ellesmere Port – there was nothing else at one time.”

Cllr Pat Merrick, who is standing as a Labour candidate in the ward, protested strongly against the change.

“I am sure we can have the ward renamed in the future,” she said.

“It will be one of my first acts as the new councillor for the area, if I am lucky enough to be elected next week, to consult with the people of the ward on this matter, perhaps Westminster and Rossmore might be a possible solution?”

Cllr Derek Bateman added: “We tried hard with the Boundary Committee to change back to Westminster.

“We were told if we continue then the whole boundary review would be delayed and we would have to fight the elections on the old boundaries. This was not acceptable to us.

“The council can change it in the future following an election. We opted for this way forward.”

Chester’s Westminster ward has also been forced to change its name by the Boundary Commission.

Cllr Bateman added: “The Boundary Committee insisted Westminster is in London and not in Cheshire West and Chester.”