Tim Parker from BBC Radio Leicester reported ahead of this evening's planning meeting at Rutland County Council that a large number of residents are objecting to the installation of a statue of the late Queen outside the Rutland County Library. He spoke to those for and against the statue, including Oakham Mayor and Oakham Town Councillor Sally Anne Wadsworth.
Many residents of Oakham, Rutland, have objected to the erection of a statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The statue is being funded by a combination of private donations and a £5,000 donation from Oakham Town Council, and is set to be installed outside Rutland Library.
One resident, Rosemarie Whittaker, has expressed her concern about the project, arguing that the money could be better spent on other priorities. She has also criticized the lack of public consultation on the issue.
"I have written to the Lord-Lieutenant to express my concern about the project, although she has not afforded me the courtesy of a reply," Whittaker said. "I would now like to raise my concerns with the town council."
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said that they felt the statue was a waste of money and that the money could be better spent on helping people in need.
"I think it's a disgrace that the town council is spending money on a statue when there are so many people in this town who are struggling to make ends meet," the resident said.
The town council has defended its decision to contribute to the cost of the statue, arguing that it is a fitting way to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and her 70 years of service.
However, not everyone in Oakham is in favour of the statue. A petition objecting to the project has been signed by over 100 people.
The petition states that the statue is "unwanted" and that the money could be better spent on other priorities, such as improving local services or supporting people in need.
Many residents of Oakham, Rutland, are supporting the installation of a statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The statue is being funded by a combination of private donations and a £5,000 donation from Oakham Town Council, and is set to be installed outside Rutland Library.
Supporters of the statue argue that it is a fitting way to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and her 70 years of service. They also say that the statue will be a source of pride for the town and will attract visitors.
"The Queen is a much-loved figure and this statue will be a lasting tribute to her," said one resident "I think it's a wonderful way to commemorate her Platinum Jubilee and her 70 years of service."
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said that they felt the statue would be a valuable addition to the town.
"I think the statue will be a beautiful and elegant addition to Oakham," the resident said. "It will be a source of pride for the town and will attract visitors from all over the country."
Supporters of the statue have also pointed out that it is being funded primarily by private donations, with the town council only contributing a small amount.
"I think it's great that the statue is being funded mostly by private donations," said another resident "It shows that there is a lot of support for the project in the community."
The installation of the Queen Elizabeth II statue is a controversial issue in Oakham, but there is also a lot of support for the project. Supporters of the statue argue that it is a fitting way to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and her 70 years of service, and that it will be a source of pride for the town and will attract visitors.
