WINSFORD’S new multi-million pound leisure centre is expected to finally be named this week.

Town councillors have been campaigning to name the £10.8m facility after hometown war hero RSM James Clarke, the only Mid Cheshire son to have ever been award the Victoria Cross.

But other suggestions have also be made. An online survey last month revealed more than half the people who voted want the current working title, Winsford Lifestyle Centre, to be made permanent.

The results of the consultation were published this week. Of the 392 people who voted, 206 – around 53% – wanted the name kept.

Just under 33% voted for the James Clarke Leisure Centre and 29 people (7%) suggested Vale Royal Lifestyle Centre.

A borough council spokesperson said a report on the findings will be presented to the Vale Royal Executive Group meeting at Wyvern House tomorrow, Thursday, and a final decision is likely to be made.

The agenda for the meeting, available to view on the borough council’s website, says “opportunities to recognise James Clarke VC can be developed in the design”.

It adds: “Regardless of other opportunities, the very significant contribution of Vale Royal Borough Council will be acknowledged.”

Winsford Town mayor Cllr Des Worthington told the Chronicle: “The town council has always maintained we wanted the centre after James Clarke VC, and it would be particularly fitting this year – the 90th anniversary of the Armistice.”