Visitor is disgusted by state of Titanic statue

A statue dedicated to the captain of the Titanic, which sank 100 years ago next month, is in a shameful state with bird droppings covering the head of the memorial, it was claimed today.

The bronze sculpture of Captain Edward John Smith, master of the ill-fated ship, has stood in Beacon Park, in the centre of Lichfield, since 1914.

Titanic enthusiast Steve Hillier, made a detour from Manchester to see the statue, and was appalled at its condition on the eve of the special anniversary.

Mr Hillier, a freelance events organiser from New Malden, Surrey, was in Manchester on Olympic-related business when he took time out between jobs to make a pilgrimage to Staffordshire.

He said that the state of the statue brought shame on the city.

"I could see the statue in the distance before I parked my car," he said.

"Imagine my disappointment as I got nearer to find the face and body covered with deposits from members of the local bird population.

"I know that councils are hard-pushed for funds at this time but perhaps for the next few weeks, if Lichfield wants to capitalise on any resurgence of Titanic interest, a more regular clean of this important statue might be in order."

The 8ft-tall statue, which stands on a 7ft plinth of Cornish granite, was restored only two years ago as part of a project to improve the cathedral area of the city.

It shows Captain Smith in defiant pose, befitting of his famous last words: "Be British".

The monument was created by sculptor Lady Kathleen Scott, the widow of Captain Robert Scott, of the the doomed Antarctic expedition. Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield

District Council's cabinet member for leisure services, said the authority has a long-term care package in place for the statue and is planning to spring clean it in preparation for a programme of Titanic events in April.