Rare and distinctive or plain racist? Locals in a froth over pub sign
Bill Gardner
CAMPAIGNERS have taken it upon themselves to save a 175-year-old pub sign after a council threatened to remove it over racism concerns.
Thousands of people signed a petition demanding the removal of a gallows sign at the 18th-century Green Man pub in Ashbourne, Derbys.
Derbyshire Dales district council said it would remove the sign with “immediate effect”, but residents got there first and a crowd of about 150 gathered to see it taken down for safekeeping on Monday, watched by the police.
They took action after 17-year-old Ashbourne resident Shaun Redfern started a petition to stop the figure from being permanently removed.
His father, Mark, said the head would be given “a lick of black paint” and was “in the hands of the man who will restore it”. Historic England said the “rare and distinctive” gallows sign was placed across the main road in 1825.
The pub was formerly called the Green Man and Black’s Head.
Police were called to St John Street on Monday at about 9pm and remained at the scene for two hours when crowds began to gather.
Darren Waring, who said he was involved in taking down the feature, said: “People are making these racist overtures without knowing the facts.”
The district council said a councillor at the scene did not object when the group decided to remove the figure for themselves in a bid to avoid confrontation.
A statement read: “The councillor was able to speak to the group and explain our position − that we needed to take urgent action to take down the head figure temporarily in the interests of public safety ahead of a consultation.
“The group, who had ladders, then decided they would remove the figure themselves for safekeeping and, not wanting to create a confrontation, in the circumstances we did not object.”
A spokesman for Historic England said: “We understand that the carved head at the centre of the sign has been a source of contention and has upset many.
“England’s buildings, monuments and places sometimes bring us face-toface with parts of our history that are uncomfortable or shameful by today’s standards.
“As the Government’s adviser on heritage, we will be ready to advise the council on next steps if they need it.”