Crazy golf course’s ‘Peeping Kong’ upsets the neighbours
A ROW broke out over a 7ft gorilla used as an obstacle on a crazy golf course after residents complained the statue looked into their homes.
Residents dubbed the fibreglass primate “Peeping Kong” when it was unveiled as the main feature of a new £250,000 course in Dawlish, Devon.
The gorilla was positioned facing away from the sea towards a row of large town houses, where homeowners complained the animal’s “piercing” eyes stared through their windows.
Residents argued the statue was an invasion of privacy before the golf course owner agreed to move the gorilla 180 degrees so it faced the sea – away from the homes.
But the bust-up is not over – because other residents are now unhappy they have been left looking at the ape’s bottom. Robert Phipps, the crazy golf course owner, said: “You couldn’t make it up. There’s no pleasing some people.”
Mr Phipps said he has spent more than £250,000 developing the course, with its safari-themed collection of high quality model animals.
He added: “It will be good for the local economy by drawing extra tourists into the town. I don’t understand how anyone could take offence. We couldn’t believe the Peeping Tom complaint so soon after we opened. It’s only a lifelike replica, for goodness sake.
“Even when we took it seriously and agreed to change the gorilla’s position we were threatened with legal action.”
Lisa Mayne, the Dawlish town mayor, backed his actions.
She said: “I’m amazed that people have taken exception to his gorilla, but Mr Phipps acted promptly to address their concerns and turn the other cheek.”