2011.01.18 - This Is Staffordshire - Lemmy And Slash Statue Bid Rejected

Lemmy and Slash statue bid rejected

CALLS to erect statues to two world-famous rock stars from The Potteries have been rejected by councillors.

A petition signed by 318 supporters last month called on Stoke-on-Trent City Council to erect the statues in honour of former Guns 'n' Roses guitarist Slash and Motorhead frontman Lemmy, who were both born in the city.

The request was referred to the council's economic development overview and scrutiny committee for further discussion.

But yesterday, committee members said they did not support the statues idea, and would rather see a broader tribute which would include all of the city's celebrated sons and daughters.

Labour councillor and music promoter Matt Wilcox said he felt the statue proposal was too selective.

He said: "I think this idea is a complete waste of time and effort, and the petition was the wrong way for this to be brought to us.

"It's actually quite selfish to focus on these two specific artists and I think there should be a more diverse monument to the range of that this city has produced."

He added: "If it was a bit broader then it could be a fantastic contribution to Hanley's Cultural Quarter."

Christian Independent councillor Alan Rigby said the council should look at a possible monument outside the newly-refurbished Mitchell Memorial Theatre.

He said: "We should bring these famous figures back here and display their hand prints outside the theatre where Robbie Williams made his debut."

The committee agreed to ask the council's cultural development officer to look into the idea.

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