'Absolutely Shocking' Handling of Freddie Gilroy Statue Plans Slammed by Councillors

Scarborough town councillors have deferred a decision on funding the £50,000 relocation and restoration of the iconic Freddie Gilroy statue due to concerns over costs and a lack of transparency.

The future of one of Scarborough’s most iconic landmarks is in doubt after councillors deferred a decision on taking responsibility for the statue of Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers.

“Absolutely shocking” was the verdict of many Scarborough town councillors on how plans to relocate and restore the much-loved statue have been handled by North Yorkshire Council.

Members voted unanimously to defer a decision on taking responsibility for and financially backing a £50,000 project to relocate the war and Holocaust memorial over concerns about costs and future management at a heated meeting on Tuesday, October 27.

The sculpture, created by artist Ray Lonsdale, has stood on Scarborough’s North Bay seafront since 2011 and requires restoration work after years of exposure to the elements.

North Yorkshire Council has estimated a project costing around £50,000 to restore the artwork and move it around 200 metres to a more sheltered location on Royal Albert Drive and the town council was asked to contribute £10,000 as “a goodwill gesture”

Town mayor Thomas Murray described the statue as an important part of the town’s heritage and a powerful reminder of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

He said:

“Freddie is more than a sculpture. He’s a talking point, an educational opportunity and a piece of living history.”

However, several councillors questioned both the proposed relocation and the costs involved.

Cllr Sarah Mason said she felt the council was being pressured into making a decision without enough information.

She said:

“I just feel like we’re being held over a barrel here.”

She added:

“I don’t understand why this costs £50,000, and I won’t believe NYC when they say ‘trust me on this’.

“Of course it should be preserved. I think it needs more scrutiny.”

She questioned suggestions that restoration work would need to take place within a limited window of availability from the artist, and asked why the council could not wait until more information was available.

Councillors were told there was a limited opportunity for sculptor Ray Lonsdale to undertake restoration work next February and that support from the town council could influence whether North Yorkshire Council ultimately proceeds with the scheme.

Other councillors expressed concern that North Yorkshire Council appeared to be linking restoration of the sculpture to a financial contribution from the town council.

Cllr William Stewart proposed that the council should only consider contributing towards restoration costs if North Yorkshire Council was unable to fund the work in full itself.

He argued that preserving the sculpture should be separated from any debate over its future location and described the situation as having “a sword of Damocles hanging over Freddie”.

Cllr Norman Murphy said:

“The problem is you’re not dealing with people who have our best interests at heart. They work for NYC.”

The meeting heard that restoring the sculpture is estimated to cost around £30,000, with the remaining £20,000 linked to relocation and installation works.

Cllr Rich Maw said he would support restoration work but suggested there should first be public consultation on whether the statue should remain in situ, be moved, or perhaps be protected through alternative measures such as a raised plinth.

He noted:

“I would be supportive of the restoration. I’m just questioning whether or not enough time has been given to decide where he ultimately rests.”

Rather than endorsing the proposal, councillors voted to defer decisions on accepting ownership of the sculpture and authorising its transfer while seeking further information on costs, liabilities and alternative options.

Members did, however, unanimously back a motion from Cllr Stuart stating that the town council would only consider contributing 20 per cent towards restoration costs if North Yorkshire Council said it was not prepared to fully fund the repairs itself.

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