Donkey statue to be removed for potential repairs

A donkey statue, which has stood on Cleethorpes seafront for twelve years, is being removed, for potential repair work.

'Dudley' was installed to honour Gladys Nuttall, who, along with her husband Buster, first brought donkeys to the town in the 1940s.

Over the last decade, Dudley has suffered damage because of the elements of the sea front and people climbing on him.

Occasional vandalism has also led to both his ears being snapped off.

North East Lincolnshire Council added: "In previous years, Dudley has been repaired by the artist in Pier Gardens; however, with such extensive damage, he needs to be removed for them to assess whether further repairs are viable.

"Local construction management firm JemBuild will be removing him before he is returned to the artist for further evaluation.

"Should he be repaired, further research will be carried out to determine where he will be reinstalled to ensure he is preserved for future generations."

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