Wigan’s nude gladiator statue granted reprieve by council

An antiques shop owner who was warned he could be fined over a 30ft (9m) nude gladiator statue nicknamed “Golden Balls” has said he is relieved to have been given a reprieve.

Grant Adamson, 60, was told by Wigan Council he could face criminal proceedings if he failed to remove the golden statue from outside his shop, Grant’s Bulldog Forge in Ince.

He told BBC Radio Manchester he was prepared to take the matter to court, leading to the council getting back in touch to tell him to disregard the letter he had been sent.

Mr Adamson said: “I feel happy, relieved and proud to have stood our ground. Hopefully we can keep him here.”

The figure, once used to advertise the 2000 blockbuster film Gladiator, had been outside his shop until the council asked him to remove it in 2022.

However, he reinstated it two weeks ago to spread “Christmas cheer”.

Mr Adamson received a letter from the council’s planning enforcement team on 3 December which said the statue was an “advertisement displayed without planning permission” – and he would be fined up to £2,500 – £250 per day until it was moved.

He was also told that failure to comply with the council could result in criminal proceedings.

Advertisement permission is required for most outdoor signs and displays in the UK, and covers things like illuminated signs, hoardings and large fascia signs.

Consent needs to be granted from the local authority – but the council told Mr Adamson “the council does not consider it could support such a retrospective application for the advertisement in question”.

Mr Adamson said: “I’ve been told that the dates and actions sent to me last week no longer apply.

“It’s a relief.”

Following the council’s decision, Mr Adamson said he now feels “hopeful” for discussions to come in the New Year.

“Wigan Council has seen sense,” he said.

“I hope he will be able to stay. He’s a great landmark for Bulldog Forge.

“We will just have to see what happens in January.”

A Wigan Council spokesperson said: “Further to the letter received by the business owner earlier this week, we have since contacted him to explain that no action will be taken at present.”