New consultation ignores petition

COUNCILLOR Lewis’s call for public consultation on the future of the Black’s Head in Ashbourne laughably ignores the fact that, in June, 87,000 people petitioned 8:1 to have the grotesque carving removed (“Call for proper consultation on future of Black’s Head carving, Ashbourne News Telegraph, January 27).

As for the heritage arguments for retaining it – you can choose from the four or five completely different versions this paper has already printed.

Its inspiration varies wildly from the Moroccan coffee vendor to the black servant, with local historians clamouring for another deeply buried version of the heritage.

The town has far more powerful claims to its heritage – most especially Shrovetide football, and the 18th century Dr Johnson connection, both closely associated with the controversially named pub.

As a town relying on tourist trade for its survival, one would expect a strong need to be outward looking.

Therefore you would think that consideration of a petition with such a large difference in the sides would be a defining factor.

Of course, a lot of those signing were not from Ashbourne, though many were. But it is those from outside who we rely on for our summer trade.

It is interesting to note that many commercial hospitality companies have recognised the potential harm to their business of retaining “Black Boy” titles, in a more enlightened age.

We can only hope our elected representatives are equally wise to the potential odium the town may encounter.

Sadly, the language of a minority of the “Put it back up” brigade has been deplorable.

In supporting that minority view, the councils risk giving out a similarly unwelcome image.

The consultation on the efficacy of retaining the head on our main street has taken place – and it has overwhelmingly rejected it.

The debate now is where it should go next.

Far from a hysterical response in June last year, as K Haywood suggested last week, it was a recognition of a time to seek a fairer and more considerate view of modern Britain.

Stephen Liverman Ashbourne