Lewisham’s Mayor will be asked to return the iconic Deptford Anchor to Deptford High Street at a meeting next Wednesday.

The anchor was removed in 2013, after being there since 1990, as part of regeneration efforts and amid concerns that it was facilitating street drinking.

Now, following a campaign from the Deptford Society which saw more than 4,100 people sign a petition, Mayor Sir Steve Bullock is being asked to return the anchor to its original home.

Councillor Brenda Dacres said: “I am extremely pleased that the work we've been doing alongside the Deptford Society will see the return of the iconic Deptford Anchor to south end Deptford High Street.

“The petition showed that this is what the local community wants. As local councillors, we have listened and we are taking this forward."

Since its removal, the plinth has been stored in a warehouse in Convoys Wharf.

In a report commissioned by Lewisham Council, the anchor was linked to street drinking, due to the plinth on which the anchor stood, as well as drug dealing.

However, the Deptford Society’s campaign proposes returning the anchor minus the plinth.

Munsas Dad, 58, works at Your Choice Pound Shop, near the anchor’s previous location.

He isn’t concerned about the issue of street drinking if the anchor comes back.

He said: “The police can chase away anyone drinking on the street. I look forward to the anchor coming back.”

A Lewisham Council spokesperson said: “The Mayor is supportive of residents’ desire to see the anchor return to Deptford High Street.”

Councillor Joe Dromey also spoke out in support of the anchor’s return.

He said: “I'm delighted that the return of the Deptford Anchor has moved one step closer.

“It was an iconic centre-point of our high street and I believe there is strong support for its return.

“I'd like to thank the Deptford Society for working with us on this and we look forward to working with the local community to make this happen.”

One of the individuals who signed the petition supported the anchor’s return as a way of recognising Deptford’s history.

In her comment, Helen J said: “A local landmark, proudly identifying Deptford's maritime past, has disappeared. Regeneration should not equal cleansing of heritage.”