Harold on the move

Nov 28 2007 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

IT’S not so long ago since Tony Blair, then our Prime Minister, unveiled the Harold Wilson statue outside Huddersfield railway station.

The eight-foot-tall bronze sculpture is a fitting symbol of Huddersfield’s pride in its most famous son.

It was absolutely right that there should be some sort of public monument to a man who served two terms as Prime Minister and who won four General Elections for Labour.

Sculptor Ian Walters, who died last year, produced a striking work which captured the politician’s vigour and spirit perfectly.

Little wonder, then, that a campaign has begun to keep the statue where it is rather than go ahead with a planned move to another part of St George’s Square because of pedestrianisation work.

Critics say the spot chosen is little more than a sideline.

Harold Wilson’s widow herself says that to move it out of its prime position and put it elsewhere would be absolutely dreadful.

Many people would agree and remain dubious that the water feature which will replace it will actually stay in working order.

Margaret Thatcher is remembered for her remark “This lady is not for turning”.

Perhaps Harold Wilson is not for moving.