Furious locals in Poole Quay, Dorset have defended the removal of the Baden Powell statue which is believed to be on a “target list for attack.”
Police fear that the statue is on an “attack list” as there is a growing movement across the country to remove or tear down statues.
In interviews with Sky News local residents are “livid” over plans to remove the statue, as there have been claims that Baden Powell who died in 1941 was a racist, homophobic and supported Adolf Hitler.
One local woman told Sky News, “It’s history, isn’t it? Are they going to take the Coliseum and Pyramids down next?
“They were slaves, they were racists.”
Poole resident Tommy Stranack, 52, defended Baden-Powell and told Sky News, “There is a strong feeling here. We feel very strongly about this statue.
“It is here and in this position for a reason. He is facing the island where the Scout movement was founded by Baden-Powell.”
Then another local, Len Banister, 79, interrupted, and he said, “It should absolutely stay. I will fight you!
“It should not be moved. I will fight for him. There is nobody here against it.”
He added, “I’m absolutely livid, I’m quaking I am so livid. He did so much for so many. I’ve come down to get a selfie before they remove the statue
Prince Albert and Lord Baden-Powell during a Jamboree held at Wembley
Councillor Mark Howell defended the historic monument and told Sky News, “I don’t link this statue to the anti-slavery protests. He did an enormous amount of good.
“He founded an organisation that has brought different races and backgrounds together and we are proud of that in Poole.”
Tobias Ellwood, Tory MP for Bournemouth East said on Twitter, “Few historical figures comply with 21st C values. Simply expunging past connections from sight won’t correct wrongs or help us better learn from our past.”
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