A statue of Paddington Bear has returned to its accustomed place at Platform 1 at London Paddington Station after Property & Home celebrity guest editor Martin Roberts led a campaign to have the bear put back in his place..
The Paddington Bear statue had been temporarily relocated from under the clock arch to the other side of the station when the Elizabeth line opened earlier this year, as the statue’s former home is now an evacuation route.
When Martin Roberts realised that the much-loved statue had been relegated to a position he described on social media as “near a drain, by a coffee shop”, he started a campaign to have the work, which is owned by the Paddington Bear shop in The Lawn at London Paddington station, restored to its original position.
See also: Rapper Little Simz Wins 2022 Mercury Prize
The statue has been a visitor attraction for many years, and following Martin’s campaign, Network Rail’s station team have now secured a suitable place for it next to the clock on Platform 1, much to the delight of the bear’s many loyal supporters. Eventually it’s planned to move the statue to an even more prominent position, with a permanent spot nearer to the main station concourse.
Susan Evans, Network Rail’s Head of Stations and Passenger Experience, said: “We are pleased to have found our beloved Paddington Bear statue a new, temporary spot pride of place next to the clock on Platform 1 following Martin’s passionate approach to us to find the statue an alternative position.
“The statue is synonymous with our London Paddington station and we are working on identifying a new prominent permanent position for him nearer to the main station concourse. This will undoubtedly be welcome news to the many Paddington Bear supporters as well as enhancing the experience of our passengers, particularly those with young children. We look forward to providing an update on these plans in due course.”
Martin Roberts said: “For years I’ve made a point of saying ‘Hello!’ to Paddington whenever I’ve passed through the station. I was horrified when I discovered the location he’d been moved to – by the side of a cafe in an area used for smoking. And although I learned it was only temporary it was still a terrible spot for the thousands of people who come to visit to enjoy their moments with this special statue to a very special bear.
“I vented my outrage with a ‘hard stare’ on social media, and thousands shared my concerns – including Hugh Bonneville (who played Mr Brown in the Paddington films). Thankfully Network Rail’s station team at London Paddington were brilliant and took action. I’m over the moon to see Paddington back where he belongs and I shall be celebrating with a large marmalade sandwich, of course.”
See also: Martin Roberts Fighting to Save Paddington Bear’s Statue
