Grantham artist s alternative Margaret Thatcher statue in poor taste Published: 09:00, 27 February 2021
An artistâs unveiling of his own Margaret Thatcher statue in Grantham has been described as âin poor tasteâ and is being investigated by police.
Mark Roberts, who lives in Grantham, placed his sculpture on top of the plinth in St Peterâs Hill at 4am on Sunday. It was gone by Monday, removed by the district council.
The plinth was placed on the green last year ready for a controversial 10ft bronze sculpture of the Grantham-born former Prime Minister. Its unveiling has been delayed by the pandemic.
The statue by Mark Robla placed on the plinth in St Peter s Hill. Photo: Ian Selby (44512791)
The statue has been paid for by the Public Memorials Trust, a charity that aims to commission and erect memorials of historically important figures. Money raised by the GCHA Margaret Thatcher Appeal will help deliver the statue. No public funds have been used.
The councilâs decision to underwrite a £100,000 unveiling ceremony had reignited the debate on whether the statue should be erected at all.
The Liberal Democrat councillor Amanda Wheeler said: âI think itâs embarrassing that the district council even contemplate spending £100,000. Itâs so out of touch with where we are right now as a country.â
Wheeler said a recent housing report for Grantham had placed the council into special measures yet it wanted âto blow £100,000 on salmon, caviar, and champagneâ.