West Ham face Iron curtain of red tape to move statues of World Cup legends Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters to the Olympic Stadium
Bronze figures may stay at the remains of Upton Park for years as local council confirm 'stringent conditions' for moving them
WEST HAM face a wall of red tape to move the statue of their World Cup heroes to the Olympic Stadium.
The bronze of Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters could now stay outside what remains of Upton Park for years.
A Newham Council aide said: “Stringent conditions have been placed on the relocation of the Champions Sculpture to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park that must be met before any move is agreed.
“Councillors agreed it could only be moved once a fully funded plan was in place to improve the junction where the sculpture currently stands after it has been relocated.
“The conditions also included the installation of a piece of public art linking the area to West Ham.”
The Irons want to move the statue, cast by Philip Jackson in 2003 and depicting England’s heroes lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy, to their new home.
RELATED STORIES
A spokesperson said: “It holds a special place in the heart of West Ham fans and it has always been our aspiration to see it proudly displayed at our new home.
“Its relocation has received widespread backing among the supporter base.”
The Hammers will play their first game at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday — a Europa League qualifier second leg against Slovenians NK Domzale.