GAZETTE readers have insisted a controversial war name which nods to a Russian dictator remains in place.

Stalin Road was named when the estate it resides within in Old Heath was built in 1948, honouring Allied war leaders.

Others on the estate include Churchill Way and Roosevelt Way, while Normandy Avenue can be found just around the corner.

In 2009, Sir Bob Russell, who was Colchester MP at the time, decided to carry out a poll to gauge the feelings of the residents at the centre of the discussion.

He found only four households in the road said they wanted to change the name which honours Joseph Stalin, who was in power from 1922 to 1953.

And it seems the theme remains today, with Gazette readers stating Colchester should leave history untouched.

Shane Robert Leeds said we should “leave it as it is”, adding: “I was born and raised in Colchester and I can’t see a problem – it’s been called that for a fair few years.”

Paul Martin Gurnett stated: “We can’t undo history and all the names should stay.

“So let Stalin, Churchill and all the others stay as markers of our chequered history. If we are to liberate ourselves from the past, we must know and understand it.”

And Patricia Andrews said: “You cannot change history, let’s go forwards not backwards and learn by our mistakes”.

However, Colchester councillor Darius Laws suggested the road be renamed to honour Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Handout photo dated 28/4/22 issued by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) meeting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his visit to Ukraine. Mr Guterres, toured some of the destruction in and

Handout photo dated 28/4/22 issued by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) meeting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his visit to Ukraine. Mr Guterres, toured some of the destruction in and

He said: “Ultimately this should be a decision for the residents, but personally if I was living on Stalin Road I would prefer it be named Zelensky Road.”

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “Since the road was named there has, understandably, been ongoing debate.

“By law, we are required to gain agreement from 75 per cent of the residents living on the street.

“We would, of course, be willing to review this again with residents, should the residents of the street object. However, without the required support of we are unable to change the name.”