Published on Friday 12 June 2020
Cllr Mark Howell, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Culture, said:
"We are aware many Poole residents value the Lord Baden Powell statue highly and the Council has a duty to take reasonable steps to protect it for the benefit of generations to come.
Council officers advised us that the quickest and best way of protecting the statue was to temporarily remove it. It is clear though that many residents were concerned that the statue, if removed, might not return. We have therefore decided to board the statue up to protect it and reassure the public that it will remain as a fixture on Poole Quay. While the statue will not be as secure as if it had been removed to a secure facility, we feel the current proposal better reflects the wishes of the people of Poole.
The statue will also be enclosed with hoarding-type boards, which will be decorated with artwork of historical figures associated with Poole, including Lord Baden-Powell in the near future. It is our intention that the boarding is removed at the earliest, safe opportunity."