14:34 26 January 2016
Winston Churchill statue in Woodford Green has received the Grade II listed status along with 41 other artwork in the UK
Archant
Winston Churchill’s statue in Woodford Green is one of several artworks in the UK to have received the Grade II listed building status last week.
Winston Churchill’s statue was granted a Grade II status on Thursday after Historic England decided to upgrade 41 sculptures and artworks across the country to listed buildings.
The artworks were mostly built in the aftermath of the Second World War to bring life back to areas bombed heavily during the blitz.
The chair of the Woodford Historical Society, John Lovell, said it was “terrific” that “such a beautiful statue” was recognised with the listed status.
“It’s not only a landmark but a memorial for a man, who has done a tremendous amount for the country,” he said.
Goodmayes Cllr Kam Rai said: “It is fantastic news that we are recognising our landmarks in the borough – it’s a treasure of a statue.”
Cllr Rai explained the statue’s new status will enable Redbridge Council to give it more protection and access funding to renovate and improve the statue and its surrounding area.
“As much as the character, the statue is robust,” he added.
The statue of the renowned wartime prime minister stands at the centre of the constituency Churchill represented from 1924 to 1964.