Calls to scrub Rolf Harris from Blackpool tribute

Harris was convicted in 2014 for a series of indecent assaults on girls

Blackpool Council is facing demands to remove disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris's name from one of its attractions.

The late artist and musician, who was jailed in 2014 for sexual offences against girls, is one of the names included on the huge Comedy Carpet display which covers an area of the promenade near Blackpool Tower.

Former community leader Eddie Fewings, 61, said Harris's name should have bee removed "years ago", adding: "It does Blackpool no favours when he's still included in the town's tribute to comedy heroes."

Blackpool Council - which unveiled the Comedy Carpet in 2011 - has been approached for comment.

The polished floor covering in front of Blackpool Tower has been described as one of the largest public art installations ever created in the UK.

The Carpet, created by artist Gordon Young, features 850 names and quotes across an area of at 23,600 sq ft (2,200 sq m) including from Tommy Cooper, Morecambe and Wise, and Sir Ken Dodd.

The Comedy Carpet displays names and quotes from more than 850 people

Harris's name was added as a nod to his appearances in the resort's summer season shows back in the mid-1980s.

In July 2014, the Australian-born entertainer was convicted on twelve counts of indecent assault on four female victims, who were between the ages of eight and nineteen at the time of the offences.

He was jailed for five years and nine months.

Mr Fewings said: "Quite frankly, I think it's out of order that Harris's name is still there."

Eddie Fewings said Harris's inclusion in the carpet "does Blackpool no favours"

Mr Fewings, who was formerly involved in the Friends of Stanley Park and a local Police and Council Together group, said it "doesn't seem right to celebrate" someone convicted of the offences in light of calls for an inquiry into grooming gangs in the town.

Harris died in 2023, seven years after his release from prison.