emigration situation
The hundred iron men of Crosby beach look set to follow generations of emigrants from the Mersey estuary to the new world at the end of this month. The statues of Antony Gormley’s Another Place installation have lost their chance to stay on Merseyside after local council planners rejected a plea for a four-month stay of execution. Another Place will now relocate to New York, with the removal beginning on 30th October.
The fate of Crosby’s most famous residents hung in the balance until the very last moment, but the hammer fell on them at a raucous meeting last night. In a highly charged atmosphere, council planners bowed to pressure from an extremely vocal group of windsurfers and sea anglers, and ordered that the statues must be removed as originally planned.
It had been suggested that their tenure on the beach be extended, but the application was ultimately rejected on health and safety grounds, although the Marine Coastguard Agency stated that it had no objection to the extension, and the RNLI issued a statement saying that it was satisfied with the safety measures currently in place.
During the course of their time on Merseyside, the statues have become the focus of intense wrangling. On one side was the feeling that they provided a huge boost to Crosby and Merseyside, having encouraged visitors, and aroused local affection and pride. On the other, surfers and sea anglers felt that they were preventing the use of the beach for their hobbies. Campaigners looking to save the internationally-famous statues were asking for more time to clarify issues like the impact on bird life, maintenance procedures and safety issues.
Since they went on display in June 2005, the statues have helped to attract an estimated half million visitors to the Merseyside beach, and brought around £4 million to the local economy.
What do you think? Leave us a comment here, and we’ll post up all responses.
The fate of Crosby’s most famous residents hung in the balance until the very last moment, but the hammer fell on them at a raucous meeting last night. In a highly charged atmosphere, council planners bowed to pressure from an extremely vocal group of windsurfers and sea anglers, and ordered that the statues must be removed as originally planned.
It had been suggested that their tenure on the beach be extended, but the application was ultimately rejected on health and safety grounds, although the Marine Coastguard Agency stated that it had no objection to the extension, and the RNLI issued a statement saying that it was satisfied with the safety measures currently in place.
During the course of their time on Merseyside, the statues have become the focus of intense wrangling. On one side was the feeling that they provided a huge boost to Crosby and Merseyside, having encouraged visitors, and aroused local affection and pride. On the other, surfers and sea anglers felt that they were preventing the use of the beach for their hobbies. Campaigners looking to save the internationally-famous statues were asking for more time to clarify issues like the impact on bird life, maintenance procedures and safety issues.
Since they went on display in June 2005, the statues have helped to attract an estimated half million visitors to the Merseyside beach, and brought around £4 million to the local economy.
What do you think? Leave us a comment here, and we’ll post up all responses.
10 Comments:
Classic example of the nanny state. I think we should remove all lamp posts, telephone boxes, bins, post boxes. In fact remove anything that could cause someone, anyone to possibly, maybe endanger themselves in some way, some day.
At least then, maybe we can all sleep at night knowing that windsurfers, bird watchers, and walkers need never worry about a collision with a clear and obvious stationary object. Great.
Obviously Im really sad to see the iron men leave our shores, but I think Iain is missing the point about health and safety. Crosby beach at Brighton Le Sands does have some serious health and safety issues - soft mud, unpredictable tides and hidden channels. The beach managers have always had serious conerns about the statues being located there and the extra numbers of visitors to the beach. Whilst the 'collision with statues' stance may have made the news, I think there are far more serious underlying health and safety reasons for removing the men.
I will be sad to see the statues go. I have been to Crosby beach about 6 times this year...having never previously been. Took my nephews aged 6 & 4 when they came over from Cyprus in the summer. It was their favourite bit of their trip to the UK.
In response to Sarah, I think that a well used beach is a much safer place to be than a rarely used one. Since the beginning of time people have wondered further than they should and no doubt will again in the future. The fact that the Gormley's attracted visitors ensured there were always plenty of people patrolling the beach and surely that helped make it a safer place to be.
Well, I'll be sad to see the Gormley's go as they looked stunning at Crosby. On the otherhand, I think it's great that this innovative idea for an art installation is shared with other cities in other countries for even more people to enjoy. You never know, one day they might end up back at Crosby...
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
Another place has been to other places and I believe that it was meant to be moved around the world. However, the statues have been a huge attraction and have put Crosby and indeed Merseyside on the map. New York doesn't need any more attractions. People go there in their millions and will continue to do so whether the Gormley's are there or not. But until the statues were there no-one outside Merseyside would have ever thought to visit Waterloo Beach.
I must agree with Iain on the health & safety issues and I fail to see how a few statues interfere with birdwatching. Jet skiers and windsurfers are entitled to their hobbies but they could easily be given another zone in which to follow their chosen pursuits.
The statues would have been a very valuable asset to the Capitol of Culture. It's a crying shame that they won't be there for 2008.
It is very short-sighted to let them go. Lets have a campaign to bring them back.
As usual those who oppose were more vocal than those who would like them to stay. The beach will continue to be a place for locals to visit and enjoy but what a lost opportunity for 2008 when many visitors to the City of Liverpool could have ventured further along the coast to visit Crosby beach to see the statues. SHAME ON YOU SEFTON COUNCIL!!!
I visited the statues a few weeks ago with the primary aim to take photo's before they are removed. I found them to be surreal, intriguing and very moving. I was so pleased to have such a good photo opportunity. I hope they do stay longer, especially now public awareness has been aroused. I'm sure due to the publicity it will encourage more visitor's to the city, and that can only be a positive aspect for the city.
The Iron Men have worked really well & the level of interaction from locals & visitors alike has been fantastic.
I'm local and I say KEEP THEM!!
As I said in my blog,
http://crosbyseabank.blogspot.com/2006/11/of-blogs-weekends-man-flu.html
And on the topic of the beach, Cowblog says it all in his support of The Iron Men - I couldn't agree more. Once more, the cult of mediocrity has ruled.
The jet skiers have won - on the few times I've seen them on that part of the beach (before Iron men), it was they, the jet skiers who were the hazard to other beach users so I'd suggest they put their own house in order before bleating.
This art installation has given a unique vibrancy to this semi-industrial beach, they work well & there's plenty of alternative space for other water front users. So how about a bit of common sense from Sefton Council?
Ah, I've just answered my own question haven't I..?
http://crosbyseabank.blogspot.com/2006/06/upto-his-knees-in-it.html
http://crosbyseabank.blogspot.com/2006/11/any-old-iron.html
Off to sign the petition now.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home