'Racist' black head taken down from Derbyshire pub sign 'to protect it'

The sign in Ashbourne was taken down last night, but residents said it was only a temporary measure to protect it from vandalism.

The petition, signed by more than 41,000 people, demands the caricature of a black man's head above the Green Man pub sign is removed permanently.

Derbyshire Dales District Council said on Monday it would remove the sign with 'immediate effect' but locals have now taken it down themselves.

MORE: Former Chesterfield teacher celebrates her 100th birthday

It follows an anti-racism demonstration in Bristol, which saw protesters topple a statue of slave trader Edward Colston and push it into the harbour.

The online petition says: “Anybody who lives in Ashbourne will be familiar with the imagery this petition refers to; a racist cartoonish depiction of a black man's head hanging over St John's Street.

“This kind of disgusting racist imagery has NO place in 2020 and should have been removed many many years ago.

“It is harmful and instils a dangerously cavalier attitude towards this kind of caricature-style portrayal of black people that served to help keep them oppressed for hundreds of years.

“It is NOT an important part of Ashbourne's history and identity, it is a disgusting and shameful fixture that many of us are deeply opposed to.”

Ashbourne resident Shaun Redfern posted pictures of the head being removed.

He said: “Can’t take it down before we do. Proud to see Ashbourne has come together to keep our head safe.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor