A COUNCIL has denied that plans to create a monument to cartoon rogue Andy Capp were shelved because Reg Smythe's character is not politically correct.

Plans to build a 5ft bronze statue of the cigarette and beer-loving womaniser in Hartlepool were mooted after creator Reg Smythe, who was from the town, died in 1998.

But the proposals, which would see Andy standing outside a local workingmen's club with a pint in hand - have yet to come to fruition.

It has led one of the key campaigners in building the statue to suggest that the plans have been scrapped due to "political correctness gone mad".

Hartlepool Borough Council insists the planned £18,500 statue has not been built due to a lack of money.

Former Headlands councillor Kevin Kelly said: "The council have taken the decision that it would not be politically correct to have a chain-smoking, beer-swilling, flat-capped person as a statue.

"But just think of how Morecambe has coined in on their statue of Eric Morecambe. Tourists come from all around the world to see it. Andy Capp has a big fan club in America. Just think if we can get them over here."

"It is all down to political correctness."

But a council spokesman refuted the claims, saying: "That's certainly not the case as far as the council is concerned."

"If the money was there, it would certainly have been done by now, but it comes down to lack of funding."

With his checked cap, love for drink and ever-ready cigarette, Andy could be said to be a predecessor to the modern-day 'chav'.

But Councillor John Marshall, who represents the town's St Hilda ward and chairs redevelopment group the North Hartlepool Partnership, said: "He's a cartoon, and that's what he is.

"He's not the only well-known person to come from the town and I'd like to see statues built of them all. But unless anyone's got a spare £7m, that's not possible.

"The town centre is the biggest priority and we have got to prioritise. A lot of money has gone on that and we are doing a lot of good work there, work that will be a big draw."