Vandals deface resort’s ‘Hammy Haddock’ as name plaque is ripped off
VANDALS TARGET SIGN ON METAL FISH SCULPTURE
THE Cleethorpes recycling sculpture known as “Hammy Haddock” has been the subject of mindless vandalism after the name plaque on it was ripped off.
The sculpture was put in place on Cleethorpes seafront in October 2020. Since then, the public have been using the receptacle as a way of recycling their empty plastic bottles. Originally, the 300kg metal fish was installed in an effort to keep Cleethorpes beach clean by North East Lincolnshire Council.
The plaque explained who he was and who the sponsors are that helped to produce him.
More than 80 children entered the competition to name Hammy back in 2020, but the winner was 11-year-old Lilly-Mai who named him after her uncle Bernard “Buster” Hammond.
Buster was a well-known figure in the community and was part of Cleethorpes beach safety team for more than 30 years.
Gary Pexman, Director of Blackrow, the company that produced Hammy, said it was such a shame to hear about what had happened. “It’s disappointing to hear about this, it’s such a great statue and it’s for such a great cause, helping our local environment.
“Aside from that, it’s disappointing for the memory of Buster as well, who Hammy is named after and for the kids who entered the competition to name him.
“If we can, we’d like to try and help out to fix the statue, it’s such a shame to think someone may have vandalised it.”
Pete Milsom, from Grimsby, who spotted that the sign had been removed, is disgusted.
“I cycled from my home in Grimsby to see the sunrise on Monday and the sign was still there. However, I came back on Tuesday and the sign had gone “Personally, I’m disgusted, why can’t people just leave things like that alone? We shouldn’t have to nail everything down to stop it from being stolen. It’s just sad to think that some people are that way inclined.”
A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said: “Hammy the Haddock is a much-loved feature in the resort. “Vandalism like this is unsightly and upsetting to all those who enjoy using the recycling sculpture.
“If you have any information about who did this, please contact the police using the non-emergency number 101.”