Frank Sidebottom statue appeal - a serious success (From Messenger Newspapers)

Frank Sidebottom statue appeal - a serious success

11:13am Friday 11th January 2013 in News By Rick Bowen

THE campaign to build a statue in memory of Timperley funnyman Frank Sidebottom has been a serious success - and it could be unveiled on April 1.

Permission has been granted by Trafford Council for the statue to be erected and the memorial will stand at the junction of Stockport Road and Park Road in the heart of Frank’s beloved home town.

Project spokesman Councillor Neil Taylor said the date for the unveiling has been chosen because it’s the birthday of Frank, the comic creation of the late Chris Sievey.

Supporters of the scheme are expected to raise £20,000 and a range of Frank Sidebottom merchandise is now available on eBay to give the fundraising process a final push. Three donors have also come forward to wipe out a shortfall iff the need arises.

Neil said: “One of the really exciting things about this is that we haven’t taken any money from any other organisation. This is one hundred per cent paid for by Frank Sidebottom fans which is really special and really kind of everybody.”

Neil said the success of the statue campaign shows the degree of affection Frank Sidebottom is held in by his fans.

He said: “There are some people who just don’t get the idea and I respect that. It’s also unusual for an individual to get recognition. It’s not unusual for the rich and famous to get a statue made of them but Frank Sidebottom wasn’t at that status. It’s nice to actually honour a regular person.”