The news that the Preston Western Distributor is to be named after suffragette Edith Rigby has sparked debate.

While celebrated for dedicating her life to fighting for women’s rights, some say Rigby should not be honoured.

One reader who contacted Blog Preston described Rigby as a “terrorist” and said they were “shocked and appalled” to read about the new road’s name.

The reader – who did not want to be named for fear of being branded sexist – said: “According to various sources, Edith Rigby got herself involved in setting off explosives, arson and vandalism. She was imprisoned several times.

“I completely agree with equal rights for women, of course I do, and I applaud her for fighting for that cause when there was clear discrimination. But the way she went about trying to get that change to happen was quite simply wrong.

“Championing Edith Rigby’s behaviour sets a terrible example to young children in particular. The message we are giving out is, ‘commit crimes to get the law you don’t like to be changed, and then become a hero for doing it’.

“Is this really how we want our society to be? This is very, very worrying indeed. I want to live in a country where the rule of law is respected, and if people don’t agree with a particular law or policy, they try and make change happen through political debate and peaceful activism – not by planting bombs and committing arson attacks.”

Read more: Why it is only right we have an Edith Rigby statue in Preston

Pat Harrison, Chair of Friends of Winckley Square, said it’s not uncommon to hear comments such as this.

Pat said: “These views reflects exactly the type of discussion that emerges whenever Edith Rigby’s story is told. The points are shared by many of those who attend walks, talks and performances related to Edith.

“The dialogue is positive, it helps us understand the situation people faced in the past and perhaps to consider how it relates to the world today.

“I think it is rarely the case that historical events can come down to a binary choice between good and bad. Yesterday’s celebrated philanthropists are often today’s reviled former slave traders.

“Of course, one of the problems with expecting people to abide by the law is when those people affected by the law have no say in its setting. This would include the colonists at the Boston Tea Party, the anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, and the suffragettes in the UK.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I have seen no record to suggest anyone was physically harmed by Edith Rigby’s actions.”

Read more: Winckley Square guided history walks for spring and summer

An upcoming Friends of Winckley Square event will focus on Rigby in honour or Women’s History Month.

An Afternoon with Edith Rigby takes place at 2pm on Wednesday 22 March at Central Methodist Church in Lune Street. Booking is via Eventbrite.

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