MAGGIE STATUE PLAN BLOCKED

From yesterday’s Mail quango which maintains the square, and from locals. The agency objected on behalf of the Government, saying it was concerned was that the trust could not guarantee that Baroness Thatcher’s family consented to the statue, which is reported to cost £300,000.

Meanwhile, the Iron Lady’s divisive legacy meant a local residents group was worried her statue would be targeted by those opposed to her politics.

The Thorney Island Society said: ‘While Lady Thatcher was widely respected, it cannot be said that she was uncontroversial. There should be a decent interval before permanent statues are erected, especially when they are controversial enough to risk vandalism.’

A No 10 spokesman said: ‘It is a planning application to Westminster Council and they have to make a final decision.’

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