'Pork Pie' roundabout should be renamed 'Vegan' to promote healthy eating, say campaigners

Animal rights activists have demanded a famous 'Pork Pie roundabout' in Leicester be renamed in order to promote a healthier lifestyle.

The roundabout was named after the Pork Pie Library situated next to it – itself given the name due to its resemblance to the meaty treat when viewed from above.

But People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, (PETA), has insisted the name should be changed to the ‘Vegan Pie roundabout’ so that it would “inspire healthier food choices”.

They believe it would also send a signal that any animal suffering which goes into making pork pies and other meat treats is unacceptable.

PETA says the name would also be relevant to local history as they claim the term 'vegan’ was invented there.

Senior campaigns manager Kate Werner: "This timely name change would inspire healthier food choices that help the environment, celebrate Leicester’s heritage, and prevent animal suffering."

In an attempt to woo locals, she added: “PETA would be happy to offer a bountiful supply of delicious vegan pies to the local community to celebrate the name change.

However, Leicester mayor Peter Soulsby said any talk of changing the name of the roundabout was "pie in the sky".

Soulsby called PETA's suggestion a "funny and quite clever way of drawing attention to themselves”.

He added: "There is no way we could change the name people have given to the library and the roundabout next to it.

"It has been known locally as the Pork Pie Library since it was built in the 1930s, thanks to its distinctive circular shape.

"Any talk of changing its name is just pie in the sky."