Resiting statue would be ‘sacrilege’ says mayor, as he demands inquiry (From The Northern Echo)

Resiting statue would be ‘sacrilege’ says mayor, as he demands inquiry

9:02am Friday 27th November 2009

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A CITY’S mayor has broken with tradition to demand controversial plans to move an iconic statue be settled by public inquiry.

Councillor Dennis Southwell, the 407th mayor of Durham, said he was acting “above politics” and responding to a public demand for action.

Two weeks ago, Durham County Council backed plans to move the statue of Lord Londonderry across Durham Market Place, but the decision has not yet been approved by the Government.

Coun Southwell said it would be “sacrilege” to move the landmark, as it would take away the character of the Market Place, which mayors overlook from their parlour in Durham Town Hall.

The Liberal Democrat county councillor said: “I’ve had people on buses asking me: ‘Mr Mayor, what are you going to do about the statue?’ I’ve had people crying to me. The residents are demanding action of their mayor.

“I think there should be a public inquiry, where people can stand up and be counted.

“I’ve asked the people of this city to put together a case for a public inquiry. I will also be putting my case to the appropriate body.”

Coun Southwell’s call was welcomed by the City of Durham Trust conservation group, which has led opposition to the statue move.

Durham MP Roberta Blackman- Woods said she had already been in touch with the Government office that would “call in” the decision for a public inquiry.

The Londonderry move is part of Durham City Vision’s £5.25m Heart of the City regeneration scheme, which will also include work on flooring, lighting and the vennels.

Officials say that the revamp will make Durham a better place to live, work and visit.

Meanwhile, Lib Dem councillor Mamie Simmons, who as Durham’s deputy mayor would traditionally be in line to be mayor next year, has defended her support for the scheme, saying she represented the “silent majority”.

The Newton Hall councillor said: “I’ve always worked for the good of the city and will continue to do so.

“I know I’m not satisfying some of the people, but I am satisfying a lot more people.”

Some councillors who supported the plan have said they were unfairly targeted for criticism.

How they voted:

THE scheme was approved by eight votes to six. No official record was kept of who voted for or against. The Northern Echo has tried to contact each councillor involved. Here’s what we found out:

VOTED FOR

Dr David Boyes (Labour, Easington): “When I was told about what would happen I thought it would tidy and spruce up the whole market square.”

Keith Davidson (Labour, Chester-le-Street South): “I didn’t see any valid planning reason to vote this down.”

Mike Dixon (Labour, Aycliffe West)

Ossie Johnson (Labour, Lanchester): “It was an objective decision on planning evidence put before the committee.”

Mamie Simmons (Lib Dem, Newton Hall): “The Market Place is a disgrace and needs improvement. I know the big focus is on the man on the horse. I don’t think it makes that much difference.”

Eddie Tomlinson (Labour, Crook South): “I think given we’re moving towards a bid for the City of Culture, a newly-refurbished Market Place will stand us in good stead.”

VOTED AGAINST

Beaty Bainbridge (Conservative, Chester-le- Street North and East): “Design work can continue around Londonderry and still give Durham City the new, invigorated market square it deserves.” Councillor Bainbridge replaced George Richardson (Conservative, Barnard Castle East).

Jan Blakey (Labour, Durham South). Councillor Blakey replaced Charlie Walker (Labour, Dawdon).

Grenville Holland (Lib Dem, Neville’s Cross)

Maria Plews (Labour, Coxhoe): “I asked for it to be deferred. I wasn’t happy there were three applications in one. I thought it should be voted on separately so I voted against.”

John Shuttleworth (Independent, Weardale) Allen Turner (Labour, Sacriston)

Declined to disclose:

Ronnie Rodgers (Labour, Brandon)

Absent from meeting:

Ken Holroyd (Lib Dem, Belmont), Alan Shield (Derwentside Independent, Leadgate and Medomsley).

Could not be contacted:

Richie Young (Derwentside Independent, Lanchester)

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