Conference Room to Be Named in Memory of Former Council Leader

A COMMUNITY meeting and conference room will be officially re-named in memory of Mike Preston, the former Council Leader who died of cancer earlier this year.

Mr Preston’s widow Beryl will unveil the new name plaque at the main meeting room at Woodgate Chambers, the old Loughborough Magistrates’ Court building, which will now be called the Preston Room.

Charnwood Borough Council consulted with councillors from across the political spectrum and there was unanimous support for the proposal.

Mrs Preston said: “I think it is a lovely tribute to Mike. He would have been really happy with it. It’s lovely to know that his political life meant something to so many people.”

Councillor David Slater, the Council’s current Leader, said: “Mike was committed to making use of this significant building in the centre of Loughborough for joint use by the voluntary and community sector and the Council.  

“He also wanted to retain many of the aspects of this room, which made it appropriate to use as a meeting room and conference facility. 

“I’m sure all Councillors will agree with me that renaming this room the Preston Room is a fitting tribute to Mike and his work.”

Mr Preston passed away in August at the age of 67 after losing his battle against cancer.

He was the Conservative Councillor for Queniborough between May 1999 and May 2011, serving as leader of Charnwood Borough Council from May 2009 to May 2011.
 
He was also a County Councillor, serving from May 1993 and in that time held key positions including cabinet member and Deputy Leader. Mr Preston was also a parish councillor.