Acting as the statue’s custodian, the council has confirmed it is in ongoing communication with the street artist’s representatives regarding the piece. While officials held internal discussions throughout the summer, no formal decision has been reached yet. The matter is expected to be raised during an upcoming cabinet meeting. The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands, it will be discussed at an upcoming cabinet meeting.
A spokesperson for the council stated that while they have been reviewing all possible options for the site, no final outcome has been determined. The statue sits in a prominent location near the Crimean War Memorial and the statue of Florence Nightingale. Although the sculpture itself remains largely untouched, the plinth has sustained minor damage from a spray-painted tag. The spokesperson did not state what options were being considered.
Public financial records reveal the significant costs associated with managing the site. In response to a Freedom of Information request submitted by in August, the council disclosed that it had spent nearly £60,000 on safeguarding the installation. These expenses covered necessary security guard staffing, administrative tasks, and the installation of safety barriers.
The artwork, which critics have interpreted as a poignant commentary on the dangers of blind allegiance, remains a subject of continued interest for local authorities. Despite the council’s ongoing maintenance responsibilities and the associated costs, the path forward for the installation remains under official review.
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