More than 2,000 people are petitioning for the return of Deptford’s beloved anchor after it was removed from the heart of town.
The online action has been launched by residents who are insisting Lewisham Council returns the centrepiece to its home at the southern end of the High Street.
Pride of place for 25 years, the nautical relic was bestowed to Deptford from Chatham Dockyard and represented a link to the area’s maritime history.
MORE TOP STORIES It was shipped away two years ago and put into storage at Convoys Wharf during renovation, where it remains despite works being completed.
The Deptford Society, chaired by Peter Collins, are the driving force behind the petition which has racked up 2,251 signatures.
Mr Collins explained why getting it back is so important to them: "It's not only as a reminder of Deptford's maritime history, which isn't well known to many visitors, but also as a piece of public art and as a well-known icon which welcomes people to the High Street.
The anchor in storage. Courtesy of Deptford is Forever
"The weight of the anchor has also been mentioned by the council as a reason for other locations not being suitable, so returning it to its original position to the High Street would surely be the easiest way of bringing it back into public view.
"When 1,000 signatures was reached in just a few days - and then doubling in under two weeks - we've been really blown away by the level of support it’s received."
In association with Deptford is Forever, the group wants the iconic landmark restored to its ‘rightful place’ but without its plinth.
It was said to attract anti-social behaviour and drinkers who would gather on it, who are now claimed to congregate on Giffin Square instead.
Peter Collins
A Council spokesperson said: “The Deptford Anchor was put into temporary storage within the Convoys Wharf site while the high street benefitted from considerable regeneration.
"We are currently working on a number of projects in the area and the permanent relocation of the Anchor remains a focus for consideration.”
To sign the petition visit: 38degrees.org.uk/petitions/give-us-back-our-bloomin-anchor
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