Will moving Dobby’s ‘eyesore’ beach shrine be a grave mistake?
IN HARRY Potter, he was a beloved companion who was fiercely loyal to his friends.
But will that be enough to protect the grave of dobby the house elf?
The National Trust is launching a survey asking whether a shrine for the fictional character should be removed.
It comes amid growing complaints the tribute at Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire – where dobby’s death was filmed – has become an eyesore.
The Welsh site consists mainly of stones – many with messages – that have been placed there by the thousands of devotees who visit every year.
The National Trust has left itself at risk of a backlash from fans, however, by highlighting the impact the grave is having.
The 30-question survey, which also asks about traffic, parking and toilet facilities in the area, states an ‘increase in visitors has added additional pressure on the environment and facilities’. It continues: ‘This does not feel sustainable in the long-term, without negatively impacting on this special place.’
on the questions about removing the grave or moving it to another location, respondents are asked to tick a range of options, ranging from ‘strongly support’ to ‘definitely against’. Growing concerns about the site include the effect of extra footfall on sand dunes. Socks are also frequently left there – a nod to the fact house elves in the world of Harry Potter can only be freed from servitude if they are given clothes.
one social media user asked ‘why a CGI character is shown more respect than our countryside?’
Another wrote on Facebook: ‘Enough is enough, this has become an absolute eyesore and it’s time it was cleared away.’
Victoria MacLean, a Potter fan from Neath, told BBC Radio Wales she accepted the grave could be a bit of a mess.
However, she said compromise was needed as another tribute would appear if the existing one was removed. The survey is open until May 31.