WORK IS set to be carried out to stabilise Bromsgrove’s Housman Statue after it ‘wobbled’ whilst two boys were climbing on it.
The Standard understands a member of the public saw the movement, shouted for them to ‘get down’ and reported the issue to Bromsgrove District Council.
Several people have contacted us to ask what had happened to the famous statue having seen it barriered off with a sign warning of its ‘instability’.
One Bromsgrove resident told us: “I don’t think there was any willful intent to damage Housman, people have climbed the statue for years.
“I just think maybe this time was ‘the straw which broke the camel’s back’.”
The statue to AE Housman was first put up in 1985 to honour the Bromsgrove poet.
Over the years he has been given various accessories, including traffic cones and – in 2002 when Birmingham City were promoted to the Premier League – a Blues shirt.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 1323004MMR1 www.buyphotos247.com
The ‘wobble’ did not come at the best time for the town as last Friday it took centre stage for the annual event, organised by The Housman Society, to mark the writer’s birthday.
Bromsgrove District Council’s Environmental Services Manager Matt Austin said: “We have been made aware of reports that someone was seen climbing the statue.
“On initial inspection there was some small movement identified, so as a precautionary measure we have had it inspected by civil engineers and no immediate risk has been identified. We’re now awaiting quotes for its repair.
“It’s obviously extremely disappointing.
“The iconic statue has long been a feature of Bromsgrove, and it was given more prominence and an improved plinth nearly ten years ago during the heritage-grade makeover of the High Street.”
