Tribute to statuesque MP

Published 1 Apr 2010 10:00 7 Comments

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PLANS are being drawn up to build a statue of Reading West MP Martin Salter who is standing down and quitting politics at the general election.

The Chronicle understands a committee of Mr Salter's political allies has been meeting in secret to decide on both a location for the 20 foot high monument and a sculptor to take on the epic task of preserving the eternal Labour rebel's image for posterity.

Shortlisted places for the plinth include the Reading Festival site, the roof of the Madejski Stadium, platform 4 at Reading Station, on a waterbound hummock in Kennet Meadows, or attaching the statue to the superstructure of Reading West railway bridge so that Mr Salter's gaze will be permanently fixed on Oxford Road, at the heart of his constituency.

But the favourite proposal, we are told, is to have Mr Salter's figure, fishing rod in hand, sitting on the side of a pond in Forbury Gardens.

It is understood the idea was put forward by a former Reading MP who wants to remain anonymous but has suggested cash from Strasbourg could be forthcoming to help boost the public donations.

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Mandela
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Apr 1, 11:39
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I think they would be fools to do this....

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Mischievous
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Apr 1, 11:51
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Another example of the stature of the town - Martin Salter the Mandella of Reading. I think not.

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politico
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Apr 1, 12:15
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i always said he had a brass neck

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Paul Swaddle
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Apr 1, 12:42
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Nice one Chronicle, now what is the date :)

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Howard Thomas
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Apr 2, 16:22
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Would it be possible to make this statue revolve, so that it could 'face both ways' ?

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George MacDonald
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Apr 29, 22:46
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Only two of the mentioned suggestions for locations are in his former constituency. What interest is he to the people of other constituencies, whatever their persuasion?

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Observer
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Apr 30, 09:11
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I don't think that matters as much as the date on the story, George.

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