20ft naked golden Gladiator statue removed from shop car park in Wigan after council steps in

Locals plan to start a petition to bring the naked male statue back to Bulldog Forge.
By Holly Pritchard
Published 14th Oct 2022, 11:42 BST

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The naked golden statue on the back of a truck, ready for removal from Grant's Bulldog Forge.The naked golden statue on the back of a truck, ready for removal from Grant's Bulldog Forge.
The naked golden statue on the back of a truck, ready for removal from Grant's Bulldog Forge.

A 20ft golden statue of a naked man has been removed from the Wigan car park after its owners were told they didn’t have the necessary planning permission for him.

The gleaming sculpture was first used to promote Oscar-winning movie Gladiator on its release in 2000, before being sold and brought to Wigan several years ago. It was erected in the car park of Bulldog Forge, on Darlington Street East, Ince, earlier this year, grabbing plenty of attention from passers-by.

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However, the independent store revealed the gold statue was moved earlier this week, amid claims the shop and landlord were advised to do so by Wigan Council.

The naked golden statue stood on the back of a truck, ready for removal from Grant's Bulldog Forge.The naked golden statue stood on the back of a truck, ready for removal from Grant's Bulldog Forge.
The naked golden statue stood on the back of a truck, ready for removal from Grant's Bulldog Forge.

Store owner Grant Adamson told the Wigan Post: “We’ve had to remove it. Wigan Council didn’t like it, they said they’ve had too many complaints about it. We had one lad come in and tell us it was obscene, but if you go on our Facebook page where we’ve posted about it, they’re all on about petitions to bring it back. People just laugh at it, it’s just a talking point.

“It’s been good for the shop as a landmark. It got a good response. It’s a shame really. It’s a sad day today, but I’m sure we’ll see him again somewhere.”

The naked golden statue seemingly does a 'Superman' on the back of a truck through the streets of Wigan as it is removedThe naked golden statue seemingly does a 'Superman' on the back of a truck through the streets of Wigan as it is removed
The naked golden statue seemingly does a 'Superman' on the back of a truck through the streets of Wigan as it is removed

In a Facebook post, daughter of the plot’s landlord, Sally Whitter, said: “Sorry everyone, over-bearing Wigan Council forcing our arm on this.

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“Sorry folk of Wigan, golden b’s is travelling elsewhere, might see him again or we might dare put him in a new location in the Wigan borough!

“Thanks for your support and glad it’s kept everyone entertained over last few months.”

Others replied to her post, saying they missed the golden man.

Tracy Turner said: “We should start a petition now ‘bring back our golden god’ bringing Hollywood to Ince and us residents love it.”

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Tracey Murray said: “I took a picture of this a few weeks ago when visiting Grants. I thought it was great!”

Les Tyler said: “Aww, oh no. I loved driving past that. Now the drive will be so boring.”

A council spokesman said: “The council has been liaising with the landowner as regards to the need for the relevant planning permission for the statue. The statue has been removed very recently, and so the council is now reviewing its next steps in line with its normal processes.”

The shop also posted a comical mocked-up montage of the statue ‘on tour’ across Wigan landmarks.

Related topics:Wigan

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