HERITAGE enthusiasts in Beckenham are hoping to celebrate one of the town’s most famous residents with a new statue.

Ex-councillor Rod Reed has sent a proposal to Bromley Council calling on them to celebrate the life of Enid Blyton, who spent her childhood and teenage years in Beckenham.

Mr Reed, 52, of Foxgrove Avenue, Beckenham, said: “I carried out research and was amazed to find that there was no statue of Enid Blyton in Great Britain and it has always struck me as a lost opportunity that there is no celebration of her life in Beckenham where she spent her childhood and adolescence.

“Amid all the the economic gloom and the high street challenges, tourism and increasing visitor numbers through initiatives such as this can only serve to benefit local trade and help Beckenham rediscover its rich past.”

Enid Blyton, who wrote hundreds of children’s classics including the Famous Five books and Noddy, lived at various addresses including Clock House Road, Chaffinch Road, Westfield Road and Oakwood Avenue.

She was head girl of St Christopher’s School in Bromley Road and later taught at Bickley Park School.

There is a blue plaque commemorating the author on Elfin Cottage in Shortlands Road, where she lived between 1925 and 1929.

She died in 1968

Cliff Watkins from the Beckenham Civic Society said: “I think it’s an excellent idea. Awareness of heritage will help the community and make it more attractive for people to visit.

“People like to be reminded of these things. When we have had heritage concerts remembering famous people from Beckenham, people seem to relish where they live and want to celebrate it.”

Portfolio holder for renewal and recreation Councillor Peter Morgan said: “The Beckenham town centre working party has been reconvened to discuss and develop plans for the future of Beckenham town centre.

“We will pass along all suggestions for consideration.”