A POPULAR Basingstoke statue has been given a new home.

Poppy, a figure of a ballet dancer, has been moved from her position at the side of the former Early Learning Centre, in The Malls, after an application was submitted for planning permission to open a restaurant at the former shop and to have a seating area at the side of the building.

The figure was designed by internationally acclaimed bronze sculptor, Tom Merrifield, and was purchased by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council who unveiled it in 1996.

If the planning application is given the green light by the borough council, a new restaurant named Errol’s will be opened, selling a selection of Mediterranean food.

The popular statue has now been placed on a plinth and moved to an area next to lifts in The Malls near The Anvil.

Eastrop councillor, Stuart Parker, told The Gazette: “A resident in the Eastrop ward mentioned to me – in passing – how upset she was when she saw the wonderful Poppy bronze statue looking rather neglected and it was a shame that it was in such a poor position in the town.

“The late Councillor John Greenwood who worked so hard on the Basingstoke Dance Festival, which was held at The Haymarket for many years, initiated the creation and he was given the final choice to name the statue.

“I am delighted to be able to say that Poppy has now been moved to a better position and I am sure that Poppy will, at last, get the attention she deserves.”