MORE than 150 people have signed up to a campaign to have the Elgar statue in Worcester replaced by another city legend – Chicken George.

The Facebook group Get rid of Elgar’s statue and replace it with Chicken George has attracted 172 members since it was set up last year.

The group says: “Let’s get with the times and replace this old statue with one of a true legend of Worcester”.

Sir Edward Elgar, known as Worcestershire’s favourite son, is famous for compositions such as Pomp and Circumstance.

George Webb, better known as Chicken George, who died in 2006 aged 86, was famous to thousands because of his dancing to the music of city buskers, which many people believe was the inspiration behind his nickname.

His funeral at Worcester’s Baptist Church was attended by hundreds of mourners, including the then Mayor and Mayoress Ian and Joan Imray, showing just how well-known Chicken George had become throughout his life.

However, current mayor Andy Roberts said that while he thought the whole idea was a wind-up, he said it would happen “over my dead body”.

He said: “I saw a painting of Chicken George by a local artist which was rather nice and it did evoke memories of when I was young.

“Elgar is the frontman of this city. He is certainly our most famous musician and while we understand this is a bit of a joke, it will never happen.”

One campaigner on the Facebook group, Julian, posted: “What did Elgar ever do for ‘us’? He just happened to live around here and used our countryside as an inspiration to make his wedge :o) ...Whereas Chicken George entertained for free most weekends ... plus the extra hours he put in on carnival day (lol)”

Penny Jane added: “Gosh, a true childhood memory is Chicken George. I’m not for ditching Elgar, but I do love the idea of something to remember him by. He was a cheerful soul who was probably any busker’s dream, bringing in the crowds as he did.”

Another, Christopher Michael Upton, said: “ I think getting rid of a statue one of the 20th century’s greatest composers is a bit extreme, but it should definitely be moved to make way for George! The man had a hard life, but kept his fantastic personality right until the end.

“He definitely should be immortalised for all to see.”

Chris Bennet, museum supervisor for the Elgar Birthplace Museum, said: “I don’t think the statue of Elgar should be replaced, it was paid for by public subscription – it’s there because people wanted it there.

“He is considered to be Worcester’s most famous son. I remember Chicken George and I think there should be another monument to him – but Elgar shouldn’t be replaced.”

Chicken George fought with the Worcestershire Regiment at Dunkirk in 1940.

Bob Prophet, from its successor the 2nd battalion Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) said: “While George was a well-known regimentary figure, I don’t think the campaign to replace the statue of Elgar is appropriate.

“If someone can find another suitable location around Worcester for a statue of George, it is great fun – but I don’t think the regiment will be joining the campaign.”

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