In yet another astonishing U-turn, South Kesteven Council has announced revised plans to unveil the controversial statue of Margaret Thatcher this summer. Having taken into account concern about public disorder in Grantham, a decision has been made to relocate the 10.5ft statue to Market Deeping.

The decision was announced as part of public realm improvements to the town centre which will also include the reconfiguration of the market place car park as well as a ban on the sale of takeaway food.

The bronze statue of the Rt Hon Baroness Thatcher or Kesteven will be situated in front of the ‘Cigar Box’ emporium in order to underline Thatcher’s long association with the tobacco industry. The ‘Iron Lady’ will not face towards the roundabout because of her predisposition against u-turns. However, the statue’s plinth will be of an particularly innovative design which include secure parking facilities for bicycles, which have been the focus of animated conversations among many Deepings residents in recent months.

Local councillor, Mrs Dilys Philkes commented “I realise Lady Thatcher was not everyone’s cup of tea, so to speak, but this monumental erection is bound to attract sightseers from far and wide which can only be good for the town”.

Councillor Ashley Baxter was less enthusiastic and suggested “If residents don’t want the Deepings to be dominated by a Conservative with little or no local connection, they must vote Independent on 6th May!”.