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'We don't want Les statue staring into our homes'
PLANS for a larger-than-life tribute to Les Dawson have been slammed by seafront residents who fear the statue of the much-loved comic would "stare" into their homes.
The 60,000 bronze landmark is due to be unveiled in St Annes in October – if Fylde Council follows planners' advice and grants
approval for it.
But residents living opposite the proposed Sunken Gardens site on the Promenade have submitted a string of objections.
They include:
The statue would stare into neighbouring residential properties.
Les Dawson had little connection with St Annes – the statue should be erected in Lytham or Ansdell. (The comic lived in
Ansdell prior to his death in 1993).
It would be a target for potential vandalism.
Such a tourist draw would add to traffic congestion.
The statue is not appropriate to the "Classic Resort" concept and the Sunken Gardens should remain a "quiet area for contemplation".
Mabel Whitehead, 83, who lives in The Majestic Flats, which are directly opposite the statue site, said: "It's not a personal thing against Les Dawson, I don't think anyone would want a statue of
anybody immediately outside their property.
"You can see how obtrusive it's going to be.
"We will be automatically looking at it."
Members of St Annes Town Council have also objected to the plans and called for a more "tasteful" tribute to be built.
Barbara MacKenzie, Mayor of St Annes, who heads the council, said: "It's too large and something smaller and more tastefully done would be more suitable. Perhaps him seated or at a piano – something a little less in your face.
"A few people have said the money would have been better spent providing something for people."
The monument, which is more than 6ft tall despite Les' 5ft 4in frame, has been sculpted by Barnsley sculptor Graham Ibbeson – the man behind the now famous Eric Morecambe statue on Morecambe seafront.
The land will be developed jointly by the applicant – Cornerstone Marketing Ltd – and Fylde Council which owns the site and will form the centrepiece of a new Garden of Fame, which will see other Fylde favourites honoured with plaques.
Jim Cadman, chairman of the statue's fundraising committee, said: "Everybody has got their view and they are entitled to it.
"It's going to be a monument not only to a legendary comic, but also a work of art the people in Lytham and St Annes will be proud of in my opinion.
"All the work in the garden will be in keeping with old-style St Annes.
"We've raised the money, supported by 3,500 people in the area, and commissioned a leading artist to do it."
In a report to councillors, Mark Evans, Fylde Council's head of planning, said: "It is considered a statue in this location will be acceptable and will not have a significant impact on neighbouring residents or the character of the promenade gardens."
Fylde Council's Development Control Committee will discuss the application next Wednesday.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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