A dispute in Derbyshire has exploded between residents over a 'racist' pub sign that has been removed following mounting pressure from campaigners.
But locals say it's only been temporarily taken down over 'safety' concerns for fear it will become vandalised.
Thousands of people signed a petition demanding the caricature of a black man's head above the 18th century Green Man and Black's Head pub sign in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, to be removed.
Derbyshire Dales District Council said on Monday it would remove the sign with 'immediate effect' but when the head was dismantled that evening, locals said they had done so to protect it.
In a Facebook post, Mark Redfern said the head would be given “a lick of black paint” and that it would be repositioned at a later date.
The petition against the figure, which has amassed more than 28,000 signatures, follows the anti-racism demonstration in Bristol, which saw protesters topple the statue of slave trader Edward Colston before dragging and heaving the bronze monument into the harbour.
A 20-year-old anthropology student from Ashbourne – who did not want to be named – said the Grade-II listed pub sign resembled a golliwog - a rag doll largely considered racist.
Matthew Holt, a 19-year-old international relations student from the town, also signed the petition, stating: “It seems such an obvious racist sign.
“I think it’s important we address our history; we can’t change it but this shouldn’t be displayed in the public eye.
“It should be in a museum where we can learn about it with a description to contextualise it.”
Their calls prompted the council's decision to remove the monument from the sign.
A spokesman said earlier: “We’re removing the head from the sign with immediate effect.
“We agree that the sign itself is not only a public safety concern right now, but that this is an issue that requires urgent discussion and consultation.
“The sign was gifted to the district council a number of years ago and is currently protected by a Grade II structure listing.
“Legally, only Heritage England or the Secretary of State can remove this listing, which means we need to take on board the views of our own councillors and local people before taking forward any representations. This will happen soon.”
The removal has faced backlash from other residents who have launched a second petition seeking to keep the figurine in place, stating it's part of history.
The page, created by Shaun Redfern, 17, so far has more than 2,700 supporters.
He described the sign as a tourist attraction which “should be kept because of the history for the town”.
He said: “I believe that the sign is not even the smallest bit racist.”
He added: “Are we supposed to deny our past now and get rid of old artefacts?”
A sign saying ‘Save Me’ was hung from the head on Monday evening before the face was taken down.
