x

Beattie Statue Plinth Damaged - Ipswich Town News

The plinth supporting the statue of Blues legend Kevin Beattie has been damaged, apparently by skateboarders.

The statue, which stands on Portman Road diagonally opposite Planet Blue, was unveiled in December last year.

Photos have been posted on social media of damage to the plinth with its use by skateboarders apparently the cause.

The engraved outer stone shell was donated by the East of England Co-op and crafted from port stone by H L Perfitts, a Co-op company.

Brad Jones, EADT editor, who chaired the statue appeal committee, told his newspaper: "Everybody in the community who contributed and played a part in making this happen will feel really upset and angry about this. I certainly do.

"It shows a complete lack of respect, and is so frustrating after all the hard work that went into the project.”

BBC Radio Suffolk's Mark Murphy, who presented Life's a Pitch with Beattie and TWTD's Phil Ham, said he was "so bloody angry”.

Ipswich Borough Council is now the owner of the statue and leader David Ellesmere says work to repair the damage will start soon with preventative measures also put in place.

"It has only just happened, but we need to look at something like a low-level barrier to prevent this kind of thing ever happening again,” he said.

"That statue means so much to so many people, we have to make sure it is kept safe.”

What to read next:

Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.