THE Jolly Fisherman will finally get a new head after more than a year of campaigning against his current look. Skegness Town Council has strongly opposed Jolly’s latest look since he was unveiled by East Lindsey District Council last year because they felt he was ugly and cartoonish.
Councillors consulted with the public and 78 per cent said they thought he was ugly. It was even reported young children were scared by the town mascot’s face.
At a meeting on Wednesday ELDC offered to cover 50 per cent of the cost of a new head if the town council pays the rest.
But at Wednesday evening’s town council meeting some councillors felt ELDC should pay for all of it.
Coun Mark Anderson said: “Had we been consulted in the first place, we wouldn’t be in the position where we are now having to give 50 per cent back to ELDC.”
But Coun Brian O’Connor said he would prefer the town paid 100 per cent if it meant Jolly would be made to the council’s design.
Town clerk Tony Cumberworth explained the council would have full input on Jolly’s new face.
Coun John Byford, who was the first to question Jolly’s new costume when he was a town councillor, told the Standard: “The town council should have been consulted as a matter of courtesy.
“I think there are lessons to be learnt and I think they have been.
“The town council should go along with the offer.”
Suggestions were made the town council should have total responsibility for the mascot.
Coun Neil Cooper, ELDC’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “I think it’s a positive way forward.
“It’s a Skegness logo and should be owned and controlled by the town.”
