Robert Baden-Powell statue: 'Livid' Poole residents vow to fight plan to take down monument of Scouts founder | UK News | Sky News

Poole residents say they are "livid" and will fight council plans to take down a statue of Robert Baden-Powell - the founder of the Scout movement.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said it is planning to remove the monument temporarily for its protection on police advice.

It said it recognised that some aspects of Baden-Powell's life "are considered less worthy of commemoration".

Baden-Powell, a British Army officer who started Scouting in 1907, has been accused of racism and of being a Nazi sympathiser.

Locals have told Sky News they are against the statue's removal, which comes amid anti-racism Black Lives Matter protests over the death of George Floyd in the US that have sparked calls for the removal of monuments of controversial historical figures.

One Poole resident, Tommy Stranack, said: "We feel very strongly about this statue. It is here and it is in that position for a reason.

"This gentleman has helped the lives of 54 million children. His statue is here because it overlooks Brownsea Island, where the Scouts were founded.

"His history has nothing to do with the removal of this statue."

Asked if he wanted it to stay, he replied: "Absolutely."

The 52-year-old said his son has launched a petition to save the monument, which has been in the area since 2008.

"It has had more than 5,000 signatures since last night," he said.

"We don't want that statue going anywhere. If the police can't protect it, we will. It is not coming down. Shame on the council for being weak and giving in to thuggery."

His sentiments were echoed by another Poole resident, Len Banister.

"I will fight you!," said the 79-year-old, raising his arms - a walking stick in each.

Asked if the statue should be removed, he said: "No, it should not be. I'm here, I will fight for him."

He added: "I'm absolutely livid, I'm quaking I am so livid. He did so much for so many. I've come down to get a selfie before they remove the statue."

"It's history, isn't it," said a woman stood behind him.

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Another woman suggested the council could "put a structure around it to keep it safe".

"What's the problem with that? There's no problem with that," she added.

Baden-Powell's statue is on an activists' target list of monuments they want to see removed.

A Scouts spokesperson said the organisation operates "in almost every nation on Earth, promoting tolerance and global solidarity".

They added that the movement "is resolute in its commitment to inclusion and diversity, and members continually reflect and challenge ourselves in how we live our values".