Former Joy Division drummer Stephen Morris has backed calls for the town to do more to recognise Ian Curtis.

It follows an appeal by the legendary band’s bassist Peter Hook to honour the music icon with a statue in the town centre.

But while Morris is keen to see the singer celebrated in perpetuity, he is against the idea of a statue.

The 55-year-old, who lives in Rainow, has suggested something more artistic. He said: “I was visiting Morecambe a while ago and saw the statue of Eric on the seafront on his own with no one around. It looked kind of sad and lonely.

“I don’t like the idea of seeing Ian like that. I also believe Ian would have hated the idea of a statue of him, especially of him dancing.

“It would be better to have something more artistic like a column. I’m sure if there was some kind of competition you would get some brilliant ideas.”

Curtis grew up in the town until his suicide in 1980, aged 23. His ashes are buried at Macclesfield Crematorium with a gravestone which reads ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ in homage to the band’s most famous song.

In an interview with the Express last week, Peter Hook said Macclesfield was missing its chance to celebrate Curtis. Morris, who is busy rehearsing for New Order’s gig at Jodrell Bank next month, agrees.

He said: “The cemetery do a wonderful job, as do the town’s tourist information office, but there is always something more you could do.

“One of the reasons so many people come to the town is because of Ian’s association with it.”