Free Press poll: 84% say REMOVE IT
Residents’ petition: 400 say REMOVE IT
City Times survey: 78% say REMOVE IT
A GROWING residents’ lobby is putting pressure on St Asaph Town Council to remove the controversial HM Stanley obelisk.
Three separate polls of public opinion show an overwhelming demand to remove the obelisk, that many describe as ‘phallic’ and ‘ugly’.
A Free Press online survey revealed that 84 per cent think the £18,000 statue should be taken down.
An ongoing petition held in the town has to date gained over 400 signatures calling for the obelisk to be removed.
A survey held by the community run City Times found that 53 people (78 per cent) want it removed while only 15 would like to keep it.
The tribute to controversial explorer has come under fire from visitors and residents alike since its shock erection in June.
The protests were joined by a stinging criticism from the Bishop of Asaph, saying there were others more deserved of recognition.
Former St Asaph councillor John Smith said the obelisk had been likened to a ‘tin can’.
Parishioners joined the debate posting damning comments on the Free Press website and facebook site.
One poster Annieliz wrote: “Congratulations St Asaph city council you have succeeded in making St Asaph a laughing stock.”
Xena215 posted: “Not everyone wants to look at this monstrosity day after day - it would be more appropriate and tasteful for a simple plaque to be placed at HM Stanley Hospital instead of an ugly, phallic symbol next to the local church.”
The statue, made by Cornish duo Thrussell and Thrussell, includes images provided by pupils from Ysgol Escob Morgan, Ysgol Glan Clwyd and Fairholme School, based on stories from his life.
On April 7, Gary Thrussell said: “We hope that there isn’t too much controversy over the statue.
“We have designed it to be as much as tribute to the African people as it is to H M Stanley’s journey.”
This week Mayor Andrew Thomas said: “Obviously the petition shows the depth of feeling about the statue and the council will have to see what they can do about it.”
“If is case of seeing how things go, if there is still the same intensity of feelings towards it then we will have to have a look at it.
“But there are also many who do stop me in the street and say how fantastic it looks.
“Though I accept that the general consensus is not in favour of it.”
Mr Thomas said that if the HM Stanley obelisk is removed within one year of being paid for, the council would have to repay the full cost of £18,000.
After that time a sliding scale of how much would have to be repaid would begin, over a period of five years.
“I think that the council can’t do much in the next few years as they can’t afford to pay back the costs of the statue if it is removed,” he added.
Ann Jones AM for Clwyd South said: "The people of St Asaph and the wider community have made their views on this clear.
"It is another example of the problems that are caused when some authorities refuse to consult properly.
“The authority that decided to install the obelisk now needs to find a solution that is not at the expense of the local community.
"I hope lessons will be learned about the responsibility involved in making decision like this."