Northampton MP labels plan to move statues ‘cultural vandalism’
Lucy Rigby MP wants to see the statue commemorating the country’s first female cabinet member remain in the town centre
Plans being considered by West Northamptonshire Council to move a collection of statues from their historic courtyard home to locations throughout Northampton have been labelled ‘cultural vandalism’ by MP Lucy Rigby.
As part of plans to lease out the newer extension of the historic Guildhall, the authority is proposing to move the statues of famous townsfolk, but as reported exclusively by NN Journal last week, the unitary has not run the idea past the wider council.
It has instead approached organisations to see whether they want to take on one of the bronze collection which were commissioned by the former borough council in the previous decade. Since our story the authority has said the plans are not ‘firm’ and it will consult before a decision is made.
Labour MP Lucy Rigby, who was elected as Northampton North MP, in July, says the statue of Margaret Bondfield, should remain in a central location. The university, which has a halls of residence named after the MP has been approached to home the statue.
Trade unionist Bondfield was the town’s first female MP, elected to parliament in 1923 and then became the first woman to join the cabinet, serving under Ramsay MacDonald as Minister for Labour.
Lucy Rigby said:
“The statue is iconic and it is the only one of the MP in the country. So the idea that it can be moved to somewhere less prominent, where fewer people can see it and learn about her life and what she gave to the Labour movement is not acceptable. I, like many, like the arrangement as it is. [The proposal] is a kind of cultural vandalism and is the wrong move.”
The MP said if the authority decides the statues must move they should stay in the town centre and have protection.
Other local people commemorated include 18th century poet John Clare, Black football and army pioneer Walter Tull and Nobel prize winner Francis Crick.
Cllr Malcolm Longley, West Northamptonshire Council cabinet member for finance, said:
“The newer section of the Guildhall, which includes the courtyard, is now surplus to the Council’s requirements following the move to new unitary governance arrangements.
“We are therefore in the process of seeking new uses for this building that not only adds value to the town centre but will also help to save significant amounts of money in the future.
“As well as looking for options for the building, it seems obvious that we also seek to ensure that all of the statues currently situated in the courtyard remain accessible to the public - they represent much of what is good about the town and its long history of innovation and cultural diversity. However it is also an option that the statues, depending on the end use of the building, could remain.
“We have begun exploring options and currently have no firm plans. It has always been the plan to consult on any proposals or options from our partners and we can assure the town council that they will be included in future consultations that will also involve stakeholders and residents.
“If the statues are moved, we would ensure that they could continue to be seen by the public and in appropriate spaces.”
NN Journal readers have also expressed their concern at the proposal.
Paul Crofts said:
“This is outrageous. They form a thematic whole putting important aspects and significant historical people of Northamptonshire's history at the centre of the county town. That is where they should remain.”
John Dickie said:
“The artificial construct that is West Northamptonshire Council does not exist to serve the interests of the town. We have a rich history and the Guildhall is a vital part of that ,it has played an important part in many people's lives, where landmark events of townspeople have taken place. Our Guildhall is more than a listed building; it is a physical symbol of our town's independent streak. This is after all the town that sent Bradlaugh to Westminster.
“It is clear that the numpties who make up the bulk of WNC have no interest in the heritage or indeed the future of this town. The very idea of disposing of our beautiful Guildhall extension (designed by local architects Stimpson & Walton after a public consultation) just shows how out of touch they are.”
There will be a meeting at the Guildhall council chamber on Friday, October 18 about the history and heritage of the town and how to preserve its historic meeting places.
*Please note this meeting is on the 18th not this Friday as we incorrectly stated in the previous article. Apologies.
If they have to be moved at all, and maybe they should to reach a wider audience, surely the ideal location should be around the "new" Market Square. This will bring a sense of history to the square which is currently missing and these statues can be enjoyed by the wider audience. Sadly, this is another casualty of the folly of the West/North Northants Unitary set up and the politicisation of what is essentially a large parish council with the big unitary bullying its smaller counterpart.
This has indeed arisen becaue of the 'artifical construct' of 2 authorities. I still think of Northampton as my 'county town', as Alan Moore says 'at the heart of English history, the heart of English geography, and the heart of English trouble.' I am not on the whole, a great one for statues, but these do reflect the real history of our county. When I visit, I can easily wander up to see them - and show them to visitors who know little of our history. However, I have absolutely no say in this decision as I live in North Northants. This is not right.