'Vandalised' statue in Cleethorpes could be moved

The Dudley the Donkey statue is looking for a new home in Cleethorpes

A sculpture of a donkey in Cleethorpes could get a new home after being repeatedly vandalised, said the council.

The Dudley the donkey artwork was made in tribute to Gladys Nuttall who ran the donkey rides on Cleethorpes beach from the 1940s.

Previous damage to the statue has been repaired but both ears are currently missing.

North East Lincolnshire Council is considering a new location where Dudley "can be more protected".

The council said it was working with the artist who made the statue, Donna Peterson, to relocate it to a place it would be safe from vandals.

A plaque by the statue reads; A tribute to Gladys Nuttall, in honour of her services to Cleethorpes. Bringing happy memories and joy to many hearts with the traditional donkey rides.

The Dudley sculpture has been a fixture in Pier Gardens since 2012.

Ava and Andrea are saddened Dudley the donkey statue keeps getting vandalised

Andrea from Cleethorpes told BBC Radio Humberside "it's a shame the ears have gone, it's sad to see because it's been here for years"

Ava said: "I remember when I was younger sitting on it, it's sad, it's just little Dudley the donkey. I think it should stay where it is but put something around it to stop people going on it."

A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said: “We know that Dudley is much loved, and we are working with the artist to find a suitable place for Dudley in the resort where he can be more protected from vandalism.

"Alternative locations have been proposed and we are working through these options at the moment.”

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