A neighbour has told of her heartbreak as her much-loved gnome will have to be moved from his spot on a West Bridgford pavement due to council resurfacing works. Its creator Geraldine Ellis set up the home for ‘Amazon the gnome’ five years ago after decorating a tree stump on the pavement opposite her home with lights for Christmas.
‘Amazon’ has enjoyed a slice of fame in West Bridgford ever since, with Mrs Ellis decorating the spot for various sporting events and special occasions throughout the year. The gnome has hundreds of followers on a Facebook page where Mrs Ellis posts updates about his latest decorations.
Now, the gnome will have to be moved from his spot due to pavement resurfacing work by Nottinghamshire County Council. The authority says it will plant a new tree later in the same spot in the year and Mrs Ellis said she will move the gnome into a new home in her garden.
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Mrs Ellis said: “It all started when we bought a gnome from Amazon and used the trunk outside our house as his home. Everybody loves him around here. He’s a bit of fun and I know he brings a smile to people’s faces. I am disappointed that he will have to move because I know people passing love to stop and look at him."
This marked "the end of Amazon on the public highway because the whole point is his little home", said the heartbroken neighbour. “I would rather have just left him there on the pavement but if they put a new tree in his place, that will be nice for the environment.”
She added that Amazon has had a “horrid time” after previously being vandalised and reversed into by a car. She said: “I understand why he has to go and we have been really lucky to have him for the last five years. Before the works start in May, he will move just inside our garden so people will still be able to see him. It will save me worrying about people parking outside and reversing into him. Hopefully Amazon’s messages can continue to be enjoyed from his new home in the garden.”
Councillor John Ogle, Vice Chairman of the Transport and Environment Committee, said: “Nottinghamshire County Council recently agreed our new Highways Improvement Plan which builds on recommendations from our cross-party Highways Review Panel. One of the recommendations is to prioritise repairs on local roads and footways to make them better for residents, and the pavement resurfacing works on this street in West Bridgford are a great example of how we are making these recommendations a reality.
“The works include the removal of a tree pit that the gnome currently calls home, so he will need to be relocated to make sure that our teams can access all areas of the pavement. There are however plans to plant a new tree in October, in place of the one which will be removed, to coincide with tree planting season.
“In the meantime, we wish the gnome well in his new home and thank the local resident for taking good care of him during these works. We’re delighted to say that no gnomes will be harmed during the resurfacing of this road!”
